The Dukes in the World Championship 1980

The Dukes riders did not enjoy much success on the individual World Championship chase during 1980 - a season dominated by the English King's Lynn duo of Michael Lee and Dave Jessup. Halifax captain Ian Cartwright was the most successful, but bowed out after a disappointing British Final.

Merv Janke/Mick McKeon: Both failed to qualify from their respective Australian qualifying rounds.

Tormod Langli: Was unable to participate in the Norwegian and Scandinavian rounds due to the arm injury received whilst hang-gliding in April.

Piotr Pyszny: Rode in the Continental Qualifying round in Vienna, finishing 3rd with 11 points. Was drawn in the Semi Final in Bulgaria, but could only score 4 points, finishing in 13th place.

Craig Pendlebury: Started in the British qualifying rounds, being drawn in the fixture at Ellesmere Port. With only 3 riders definitely qualifying to the Quarter Final, it was always going to be tough - a double figure score being an absolute minimum to get through. Pendlebury never looked like qualifying however, despite 2 second places from his first 2 rides, he failed to capitalise, and finished on 7 points (10th place).

Kenny Carter: Chose to participate in the senior World Championship rather than taking the expected route of the European Under-21 Championship. Was seeded to the British Semi Final at Sheffield, but had a disappointing night. Despite winning 2 races, Carter had an engine failure in his second outing (won by Cartwright) and also finished last in his 4 outing. Finished on 7 points and out of the qualifying places. Carter then lost a run-off for 9th place (and reserve place in the British Final) to Les Collins of Belle Vue.

Ian Cartwright: Like Carter, Cartwright was drawn in the Semi-Final at Sheffield, and qualified for the Final with 8 points. Despite running last in his first heat, Cartwright won his next 2 races to set up his passage to Brandon. In the Final, Cartwright disappointedly exited the World title chase with 5 points, to finish in 12th place. 3 points from his first 3 races left the Dukes' skipper with a mountain to climb, particularly as he still had to face Peter Collins, Gordon Kennett and Chris Morton in his last 2 races.