Heat by Heat Results - March 1975

The 1975 Dukes got off to a winning start, with a straightforward victory over Hull in the Northern Trophy.  New skipper Rick France led by example with a paid maximum, with Graham Plant dropping his only point to Vikings top scorer Mitch Graham.  There was a pleasing return to the track for Charlie Monk after his injury lay-off, whilst Ian Cartwright looked sharp from the reserve berth.  New signing Chris Pusey was delayed coming back from a trip to America, and Ray Wilson proved an able guest.

Halifax lost at home to the Tigers on three occasions the year before, so a 10 point win early in the season was a step in the right direction.  Rick France continued from the week before, beaten only by Reg Wilson in the opening heat, whilst a jet-lagged Chris Pusey made an inauspicious debut.  Mike Hiftle won two races, as the Dukes stretched into a lead they did not look liking relinquishing.  France was shown the chequered flag in heat 10 after only 3 laps!  Unfortunately, Henny Kroeze was in the wars, hitting the deck in heat 10 after swerving to avoid the fallen Calr Glover, and sustaining an ankle injury.

Halifax's chances of success in the Northern Trophy were dented by defeat to Belle Vue.  Remarkably, the Dukes could only provide the heat winner on 2 occasions, as Collins and Sjosten continued their recent liking of the Shay track.  Henny Kroeze was absent following his spill on the Saturday, so John Jackson stepped in, whilst Chris Pusey recorded his first heat victory as a Duke in heat 5.  Ultimately, 2 heat advantages for the Aces in mid-meeting swung the tie in their favour, with two further heat advantages in the last two races making the victory look more comfortable than it really was.