Northern League (speedway)

Northern League
Formerly English Dirt Track League
Sport Motorcycle speedway
Founded 1929
Country United Kingdom
Ceased 1931
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 being expelled, 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.

Champions

Season Champions Second
1929 Leeds Lions Preston
1930 Belle Vue Aces Liverpool Merseysiders
1931 Belle Vue Aces Leeds Lions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Rogers, Martin (1978) The Illustrated History of Speedway, Studio Publications, ISBN 0-904584-45-3, p. 21