The Riders - H

Kurt Hansen:  19 year old Dane Hansen came to England for trials on the recommendation of former Duke Mike Lohmann at the end of 1983, and convinced the Dukes he was worthy of a team spot for 1984.  His Dukes career got off to a bad start - included in the second half at Newcastle, he piled up and suffered leg injuries which kept him out until June.  Despite his late start, he qualified for the European Under 21 Final at King's Lynn, and managed a 3.50 average, despite being in the team proper for most of the season.  He was retained for 1985, forming a useful reserve pairing with Eric Monaghan, although the form of others in the team promoted the pair of them into the main team.  He increased his average by 2 points a match, but was surplus to requirements after the Dukes relocated to Bradford, and didn't return to the UK.

Per Hansen:  23 year old Norwegian who rode in a handful of meetings for Wolverhampton in 1972.  His season was cut short by a serious road accident on the continent, where he suffered a badly broken leg.  It appeared he had made a recovery, and returned to the UK to join the Dukes for 1973, but his form was clearly affected by his injury, and he was unable to move out of the reserves.  Ended up with a serious infection related to his pinned leg, and spent many weeks in hospital, ultimately never returning to ride for the Dukes again, although he recovered sufficiently to ride in his home country.

Mike Hiftle:  Geordie Mike Hiftle started in speedway in 1968, and spent his first 4 seasons riding for Belle Vue Aces and Colts - with appearances for Glasgow and Berwick for good measure.  The Dukes signed Hiftle in 1971, and he proved a good acquisition for 5 full seasons, taking part in well over 100 meetings.  His never-say-die approach and  fence-scraping antics ensured there was never a dull moment with him on track, although this style of riding caused his fair share of crashes!  Nevertheless, he was an ever-present in 1972, and enjoyed his best season in 1973, finishing with a 5.63 average.  Hiftle left for Berwick in 1976, spending the next 3 seasons there, before quitting at the start of 1979.  A brief comeback in 1981 for Workington was short-lived.

Clive Hitch:  Hitch first rode speedway in 1959, joining Rye House, and after a couple of seasons riding for southern-based tracks, moved on to Middlesbrough where he spent 4 seasons.  Like most of the Middlesbrough team, Hitch moved to Halifax at the start of 1965 and was part of their inaugural British League campaign, riding in 18 matches. Hitch was always happiest on the  smaller away tracks, and admittedly found the large Shay track a handful, and it was no surprise when he was replaced in June following the acquisition of Tommy Roper.  He spent the rest of the season at Long Eaton, before transferring to Swindon where he spent 7 seasons (with a season at Coventry in 1967) although he never broke the 6 point barrier.  His final season was 1974, back where it all started at Rye House.

Rod Hunter:  Melbourne-born Hunter was a giant in National League circles, competing for the all-conquering Newcastle Diamonds from 1977 until 1984.  When Newcastle closed at the end of the 84 season, the Dukes swooped for their man.  Already known as a fan favourite at The Shay, Hunter signed for the 1985 season as the Dukes compiled a strong-looking top 5.  Sadly, the optimism petered out early on. A disastrous League Cup campaign saw Hunter at reserve, hampered by mechanical problems, and although his scoring improved, his form was erratic, especially away from home.  Signs of improvement were there towards the end of the season, however the newly-married Hunter indicated he would likely not be returning the following year.  He did return at the end of the decade, spending 2 further successful seasons with Newcastle and then Middlesbrough before retiring.