1973 British League season
The 1973 British League season was the 39th season of the top tier of speedway in the United Kingdom and the ninth season known as the British League. Summary. Glasgow Tigers relocated to become Coatbridge Tigers. The Reading Racers won their first title, ending the dominance of Belle Vue Aces who could only finish in sixth place. Swede Anders Michanek was in imperious form, going undefeated at Reading Stadium (which was in its final year as a venue). He finished with a 11.36 average ahead of the four time world champion Ivan Mauger on 11.29. In  addition to Michanek the Reading team was boosted by high scoring from Norwegian Dag Lövaas and Australian Geoff Curtis. In a sensational finish to the 1973 Knockout Cup final Reading were beaten by Belle Vue in a run-off for the Cup after an aggregate draw over two legs. Reading's success had a sour note after the season had finished when Geoff Curtis returned to Australia for the Australian season and was killed in a race at the Sydney Showground in December. Leading riders. Both Michanek and Mauger recorded perfect 12 point average scores at home for the season , meaning they were unbeaten by any opposing rider on their own track in League competition. British League Knockout Cup. The 1973 Speedway Star British League Knockout Cup was the 35th edition of the Knockout Cup for tier one teams. Belle Vue were the winners after Peter Collins of Belle Vue defeated Anders Michanek of Reading in a race-off because the tie had finished 78-78 on aggregate. Final. Second leg. Match finished 78-78 on aggregate. Belle Vue won race-off.