Bradford Dukes

The Bradford Dukes were a British motorcycle speedway team which operated from the Odsal Stadium in Bradford from 1986 until their closure in 1997.[1]

Bradford Dukes
Club information
Track addressOdsal Stadium
Odsal Top
Bradford
West Yorkshire
CountryEngland
Founded1945
Closed1997
WebsiteBradford Speedway
Club facts
ColoursBlue Red and White
Track size357 metres (390 yd)
Major team honours
Elite League Champions1997
British League Knockout Cup1991, 1992, 1993
Premier League Knockout Cup1995
BSPA Cup Winner1991
Gold Cup Winner1990

History

Speedway has long been associated with Odsal Stadium; there have been three eras of racing activity at the venue spanning the years 1945-1960, 1970-1975 and most recently 1985-1997. There was also a short-lived existence at the old Greenfield Stadium between 1961-1962.[1]

Speedway returned to Odsal in 1985 after a ten-year absence when it was selected by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme to host the 1985 Speedway World Championship. Bradford Council were quick to seize on the prestige of being associated with a World event and approved £1 million project to refurbish the Odsal Stadium. A 40,000 crowd attended at the final.

In March 1986 Odsal opened its doors to British League action for the first time since the 1950s after the Halifax Dukes were offered a new home track. The new 'Bradford Dukes' team would in later years include Gary Havelock, the multi-British Champion Simon Wigg, England number one Kelvin Tatum and Mark Loram.[2] However, the club suffered the loss of Kenny Carter who died in a shooting incident during their first season.[3]

Bradford speedway then enjoyed its greatest period of success winning eight trophies and a World Title until the club's closure in 1997 when despite winning the Elite League, the club folded for the third time.

In 2013 businessman Tony Mole successfully applied for planning permission to again use Odsal for speedway, with the possibility of racing returning in 2014 with the Bradford and Halifax Dukes.[4]

World Champions

Gary Havelock became Speedway World Champion whilst a Bradford rider in 1992, winning the title at the Olympic Stadium in Wroclaw, Poland.[5]

Notable riders
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See also

References
  1. Bamford, R & Jarvis J.(2001). Homes of British Speedway. ISBN 0-7524-2210-3
  2. Oakes, P.(2004). British Speedway Who's Who. ISBN 0-948882-81-6
  3. MacDonald, T.(2007). The Kenny Carter Story. ISBN 0-9551176-3-1
  4. "Bradford Update", speedwaygb.co, 29 May 2013. Retrieved 30 May 2013
  5. Bamford, R. & Shailes, G. (2002). A History of the World Speedway Championship. Stroud: Tempus Publishing. ISBN 0-7524-2402-5
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