Exeter went into 1975 determined to retain the British League championship they had won so well after a spectacular climax from Belle Vue the previous season.

Whilst Frank Shuter had announced his retirement to concentrate on business interests abroad, the Falcons were boosted by the signing of former Halifax rider John Titman, the Australian international who had stayed home the previous season. Much, too, was expected from Aussie newcomer, Mike Farrell, and he did all that was expected of him.

Exeter fielded a cosmopolitan squad. There were three Englishmen, Kevin Holden, Les Rumsey and veteran Chris Julian. The four Australians were Titman, Farrell, Steve Reinke and Geoff Mudge whilst New Zealand was represented by ever consistent and brilliant Ivan Mauger, and from the USA came continued improvement in the form of fast rising Scott Autrey, now in his third season of British racing.

Mauger, with an 11.45 match average, was top of the British League, only two other riders averaging more than 11 points. He won the Echo Trophy, the Westernapolis, and the Festival Trophy, all from star fields, and combined this with some brilliant form on the continent at speedway, grass and long tracks. Sadly, Ivan failed in his main quest for the world speedway and long track titles. Nevertheless, he was still as great a rider as ever, equal to anyone in speedway's top flight.

Despite Exeter's hopes, they never looked likely to keep the title, as Halifax, then Belle Vue and Newport, and finally Ipswich vied for top place. Exeter did not compete in the Inter-Divisional Cup, but in the KO Cup, looked like making progress after shunting out Sheffield 81-75 in the preliminary round then Poole 90-76 in the first round. In the qaurter finals they met Halifax and were shocked, not only by the Dukes winning, but with some dynamic double-figure scores in both legs from their opponents unfashionable reserve Henny Kroeze, who also "scalped" Ivan Mauger to seal the Falcons exit from the competition.

September saw Exeter's last hopes of the title vanish, when they were six points adrift of then leaders Newport. They gained consolation, though, by beating Belle Vue to end the Manchester club's title aspirations, but best Exeter could do in the end was fourth place.

A set-back for Exeter was the loss through a broken leg of Kevin Holden late in the season. Former Australian champion Steve Reinke, who had shown a lot of improvement, went home after a row with the club, and two sound scorers vanished at a crucial time. For Holden, it was a disappointment. He had wintered in Australia, shown poor form on his return to England and was just getting back into gear when he went on the casualty list. Steve Reinke however was suspended from the team late in the season after failing to appear for two consecutive matches, despite proving he had mishaps en route.

Brightest part in the Exeter Team building was the emergence of Les Rumsey from Canterbury who was to be based full time at the County Ground in 1976. Vic Harding was another newcomer who showed a flair for senior track work.

Elsewhere in 1975

John Louis wins the British Final at Coventry scoring a maximum 15pts on his way to beating runner up Peter Collins (13) and Malcolm Simmonds (13). Peter Collins won the BL Riders Championship scoring a 15pt maximum to beat runner up Phil Crump (12) and third place Martin Ashby(11).

Ipswich win the BL Title, they totalled 54pts to beat runners up B.Vue (52), Newport (49) third and Exeter (43) Fourth. In the National League, it was Birmingham (59pts) who took the Title ahead of Newcastle (54), Stoke (52) and Eastbourne 4th (50).

Pictured right, Ipswich who took yhe B.L Campionship. From L to R: Mick Hines, Billy Sanders, John Louis, Ron Bagley (Team manager), Mike Lanham, Trevor Jones. Kneeling: Ted Howego and Tony Davey

No prize for guessing who won the Terry Betts Testimonial at Kings Lynn - none other than Terry Betts himself. He scored 13pts on the night to beat Malcolm Simmons (13) and Dave Jessup (11). Scott Autrey took the Speedway Mail trophy at Exeter, Martin Ashby the Superama at Hackney Ole Olsen the Littlechild trophy at Kings Lynn, Phil Crump the Artdeans Trophy at Swindon, and Riedar Eide the Prince of Wales Trophy at Newport.

Elsewhere, Phil Crump won the Dews Trophy at Halifax, Malcolm Simmons the IP Trophy at Cradley, Phil Crump the Supporters Trophy at Exeter, Tommy Jansson the Laurels at Wimbledon, Phil Crump the Welsh Open at Newport and John Louis the Champion of Champions meeting at Wolverhampton, Ivan Mauger the Express and Echo trophy at Exeter, Ole Olsen the Internationale at Wimbledon and John Louis the Golden Gaunlets at Leicester.

Malcolm Simmons won the Southern Riders Championship scoring 14pts to beat John Louis (12) and Bengt Jansson (11) whilst in the Northern Championship, Peter Collins was unbeaten in his five rides to beat runner up Paul Tyrer (12) and Jim McMilan (11).

The Speedway world mourned as tradgedy struck at Wolves where Gary Peterson was involved in a spill and despite attempts to revive him, Gary was pronounced dead on his way to the hospital.

Belle Vue win the Speedway Star KO Cup beating Leicester 86-70 on aggregate, whilst Eastbourne win the NL Cup by beating Workington 83-72 on aggregate. Belle Vue also won the Northern Trophy and beat Halifax 90-75 to take the Inter Divisional KO Cup.

Ole olsen is crowned World Champion, his unbeaten 15pt maximum beat A. Michanek 13, John Louis 12 and Mauger 12 (after run off).

Ivan Mauger wins the Festival Trophy at Wolves, John Louis the Dow Diamond Trophy at Kings Lynn Vic Harding won the Seyco trophy at Weymouth, Peter Collins took the Silver Plume at Swindon Neil Middleditch took the British Junior Title having scored 13pts to beat runner up Steve Weatherley (13) and third placed Joey owen (12).

England win the World Team Championship staged at Norden, W. Germany. They scored 41 pts to beat Soviet Union 29, Sweden 17 and Poland 9. But it was Sweden who won the World Pairs Chamionship yet again scoring 24pts to beat Poland 23,Denmark 20 and England 20.

Laurie Etheridge (Crayford) wins the NL Riders Championship from Coatbridge's Brian Collins (Left) and Arthur Browning (Birmingham).