Northern League (speedway)

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Northern League
FormerlyEnglish Dirt Track League
Sport Motorcycle speedway
Founded1929
Ceased1931
Replaced bythe National League
CountryUnited Kingdom
Most titles Belle Vue

The Northern League was founded in 1929 when it was known as the English Dirt Track League, the earliest league (along with the Southern League) in speedway racing in the United Kingdom, comprising teams from Northern Britain. The addition of two Scottish teams prompted a name change in 1930. The league existed between 1929 and 1931, after which, with many teams folding, it was amalgamated with the Southern League to form the National League. [1] In the 1929 season, White City (Manchester) won all 18 matches but resigned from the league after a dispute, leaving Leeds Lions as champions. [1] The season was beset with problems with Warrington's expulsion, Bolton completing only one match before their fixtures were taken over by Hanley, and Long Eaton entering the league but not completing a match. [1] Belle Vue won the league in both 1930 and 1931. [2]

Contents

After World War II a one-off division 2 competition was held called the 1946 Speedway Northern League. This was effectively the National League Division 2 because it was sandwiched between the 1939 Speedway National League Division Two and the 1947 Speedway National League Division Two. Middlesbrough Bears were the winners. [3]

Champions

SeasonChampionsSecond
1929 Leeds Lions Preston
1930 Belle Vue Aces Liverpool Merseysiders
1931 Belle Vue Aces Leeds Lions

See also

List of United Kingdom Speedway League Champions

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The 1931 Southern League was the third season of motorcycle speedway in the United Kingdom for Southern British teams, and its final season before amalgamation of the Southern and Northern Leagues. The Northern teams also had their third season known as the 1931 Speedway Northern League.

The 1931 Northern League was the third season of speedway racing in the United Kingdom for Northern British teams. It was the final season of the Northern League before amalgamation with the Southern League which also had their third season known as the 1931 Speedway Southern League.

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Norman Evans was an international motorcycle speedway rider from England. He earned one international cap for the England national speedway team.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Rogers, Martin (1978) The Illustrated History of Speedway, Studio Publications, ISBN   0-904584-45-3, p. 21
  2. "Year by Year". Speedway Researcher. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
  3. "BRITISH LEAGUE TABLES - PRE-WAR ERA (1929-1939)". Official British Speedway website. Retrieved 6 August 2021.