fatface 2,552 Posted November 6, 2003 On another thread I got talking with Evo and neither of us know why the Dukes used an elephant as their symbol. Anyone know why? No saying its because they moved at the same speed now! :evil: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew 125 Posted November 6, 2003 I think it was something to do with the army regiment that was based in the town ,Shoddy's the man to ask being an ex Duke and all lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jez 4 Posted November 6, 2003 The reason for the elephant is because the team took the emblem of the Halifax based Duke of Wellington army regiment, so full marks to Andrew, therefore the elephant appeared on the race jacket and the teams nickname became the dukes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatface 2,552 Posted November 6, 2003 Thanks guys. I'll be able to sleep at night now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
salty 2,200 Posted November 6, 2003 When the Dukes moved to Bradford why did they get rid of the Elephant and have a cross on their race-jackets? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sandman 0 Posted November 6, 2003 Dude that one is easy,.... no home track advantage, found religion... See I am not so dumb.. Did I win a prize? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jez 4 Posted November 6, 2003 When the Dukes moved to Bradford why did they get rid of the Elephant and have a cross on their race-jackets? From what I remember there was a competition for local schools to design a race jacket and it just needed to say 'Dukes' and 'Coalite' (then sponsers) on it the rest was imagination The so called cross went after a few years and was replaced by a crown on a ble and red shield sort of design. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SCB 0 Posted November 7, 2003 (On behalf of Trackman) Well at least it wasn't a swan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
salty 2,200 Posted November 7, 2003 When the Dukes moved to Bradford why did they get rid of the Elephant and have a cross on their race-jackets? From what I remember there was a competition for local schools to design a race jacket and it just needed to say 'Dukes' and 'Coalite' (then sponsers) on it the rest was imagination The so called cross went after a few years and was replaced by a crown on a ble and red shield sort of design. Thanks jez, glad to know there wasn't any logic involved. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oxford duke 0 Posted November 8, 2003 Who was shoddy? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew 125 Posted November 8, 2003 Shoddy :?: he's a forum member, he runs the fantasy league,when I said ex Duke I meant supporter,not rider but he's seen the error of his ways and is now a Tigers fan just like forum manager Phil,but all the old traits came out at the Northern riders when Havvy and co were on track :evil: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jez 4 Posted November 8, 2003 Shoddy :?: he's a forum member, he runs the fantasy league,when I said ex Duke I meant supporter,not rider but he's seen the error of his ways and is now a Tigers fan just like forum manager Phil,but all the old traits came out at the Northern riders when Havvy and co were on track :evil: Andrew thats cos ex Dukes fans would support Sheffield any day of the week as our only alternative is to go to Kirky Lane, no thank you :!: :twisted: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hammer 10 Posted November 9, 2003 I have never understood why there is no traditional team identity in speedway. Teams change racejackets and nick-names so often, if football teams tried it, fans would be apoplectic with rage. I understand promotional changes, licence transfers and how it happens, I just don't understand why it happens. But actually, given the general level of a Speedway promoter's understanding of promotion, it's quite obvious. - I mean, WEST HAM HAWKS for christ's sake!!!!! :? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lioness 1,453 Posted November 9, 2003 Hammar you seem to have difficulty grasping this as you constantly refer to it but speedway and football ARE NOT THE SAME. If you are desperate for comparisons, speedway teams changing jackets is no different to football clubs changing sponsors(and strip design) and if you care to look back in history you will see that some football clubs have even had a few different nicknames in the past. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hammer 10 Posted November 10, 2003 Lioness Whilst I appreciate the fact that you enjoy being contrary without furthering a sensible debate, I make comparison,s to football as it is the biggest sport on the planet and is a convenient reference when debating issues surrounding team sports. Yes, you are right that football teams do change their strip regularly, but if any league team tried to rename themselves(just look at the Wimbledon example), the fans would go mad. Even nicknames or team emblems are part of the team's history and have an important place in the psyche of the local community. The fact that Speedway teams have a habit of doing this contributes to the outside world thinking Speedway is a toy sport. Edinburgh Weasles in 2004 then Scotland Baxters Soup Haggis's in 2005 (would you like it) Mind you, most Speedway fans would watch seven Chimps on tricycles if the promoter's tried it. Please reply in a relevant and constructive way Lots of Love - Hammer :roll: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
