Heat by Heat Results - March 1980

The Dukes opened the season with a spirited but nevertheless narrow defeat at Belle Vue in the first match of the Frank Varey Northern Trophy. On a heavy track, described as "difficult," Halifax kept in the match until the latter stages, and were never more than 10 points down. Kenny Carter recovered from a first race disappointment to reel off 4 straight wins, including back to back in heats 8 and 9 to reduce the deficit to 4 points. He had good support from Ian Cartwright, with 4 second places. But the Dukes had no answer to 1976 World Champion Peter Collins, who was unbeatable with a 12 point maximum, ably backed by Chris Morton and former Duke Mike Lohmann.

The Dukes took their first victory of the season with a late rally to come out as 4 point winners at the Boulevard. Kenny Carter wore the number 1 race-jacket, and responded with a perfect 12 point maximum, and was well supported by Tormod Langli, who only dropped one point to Auffret in heat 10. Cartwright was excluded for tape breaking in heat 6, but bounced back well to secure a crucial 5-1 with Langli in heat 12, which put the Dukes 4 in front. Carter clinched the win in heat 13 with his 4th straight win. Hull were solid, although their heat-leader trio of Sigalos, Owen and Beaton could only muster 2 heat wins between them.

The first proper league action of the season, and the first home match for the Dukes saw Halifax run out comfortable winners against a 6-man Brummies team, lacking Aussie Phil Herne, who failed to arrive. Kenny Carter eased to a second consecutive maximum, but the Dukes were boosted with the arrival of Mick McKeon, who although having bike problems, meant that the team now had a more solid look. Cartwright, Langli and Pendlebury all scored a further 8 points to put the Dukes in command. Alan Stansfield deputised at reserve in place of the still-absent Pyszny. Only Steve Bastable, and to a lesser degree, reserve Ove Olsen kept the score respectable for Birmingham.