The Riders - C

Kenny Carter:  Where do you begin to tell the story of someone who, for many, was Halifax Speedway in the 1980s?  Carter carried the Dukes for most of that period until The Shay's closure, although, sadly, injuries often robbed the Dukes of their talisman.  Three very good - but ultimately not good enough - World Final appearances, British Junior Champion in 1979, British Champion in 1984 (with a broken leg) and 1985, a string of domestic individual honours, including 2 BLRCs, and massive returns for both club and country were offset by 2 seasons of heart-breaking injuries which KC believed robbed him of his ultimate goal.  What happened next is written elsewhere, and we can never forgive nor forget what happened on 21.5.1986 - but to Dukes fans, he will always be King Kenny.  

RIP Pam and Kenny Carter.

Ian Cartwright:  Mighty Mouse joined the Dukes full time in 1975 after a couple of seasons with Crewe.  Cartwright improved through the 1970s to heat leader status, eventually becoming the skipper of the Dukes.  A solid, reliable performer, he was often unbeatable around The Shay, although his away form (like many of the Halifax riders) could be inconsistent.  Reached his peak in 1979 with a very-near 9 point average.  Qualified for the British Final in 1980 and 1981, reaching the Overseas final at the second attempt.  Was awarded a testimonial meeting in 1982, but stood down from the captaincy in September, and announced his retirement from the sport at the end of the year, to concentrate on the family furniture business in North Yorkshire.

Andy Cusworth:  Born in Dewsbury, Cusworth came through the junior ranks at The Shay, and gained experience riding for Stoke and Newcastle in the National League.  Rode in a handful of meetings for Halifax during 1974 and 1975 before spending the full 1976 season in the Dukes' side, reaching a 4.50 average, whilst doubling up with Newcastle the same season.  Quit British racing in 1977 and went to live in West Germany, eventually taking a German licence and competing for many years in the German league, and in the Continental rounds of the World Championship, albeit with only moderate success.  Brother Martyn also rode in one meeting as a guest for the Dukes, in their final league match of 1978.