eric langton parent portal

by Dr. Lulu Labadie 4 min read

Who is Eric Langton?

Eric Kemp Langton (27 September 1907 – 1999) was an English motorcycle speedway who won the Star Riders' Championship in 1932, the forerunner to the Speedway World Championship .

Where was Langton born?

Born in Leeds, England in 1907, Langton began his career at the Belle Vue track. He rode for Leeds in the 1929 season before returning to Belle Vue the following year, remaining with the club for the rest of his career. He won the Star Riders' Championship in 1932 and also finished runner-up in 1934. He was part of the Belle Vue team that won the ...

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Overview

League career

Born in Leeds, England in 1907, Langton began his career at the Belle Vue track. He rode for Leeds in the 1929 season before returning to Belle Vue the following year, remaining with the club for the rest of his career. He won the Star Riders' Championship in 1932 and also finished runner-up in 1934. He was part of the Belle Vue team that won the League Championship six times in seven year and the National Trophy five times in a row in the 1930s. After retiring from the sport he ret…

1936 World Final

Langton lost the run-off for the inaugural Speedway World Championship to Lionel Van Praag in 1936 in somewhat controversial circumstances. The Championship was decided by bonus points accumulated in previous rounds. Despite being unbeaten in the final, Bluey Wilkinson was not crowned Champion. Bonus points accumulated by Langton and Van Praag took them to the top of t…

Retirement

He built bikes to his own specifications, which were in widespread use around the world for many years after his speedway retirement. He eventually emigrated to Perth, Australia. He died in Perth in 2001.

World Final Appearances

• 1936 - London, Wembley Stadium - 2nd - 26pts (lost run-off)
• 1937 - London, Wembley Stadium - 10th - 16pts
• 1938 - London, Wembley Stadium - 8th - 13pts

Players cigarette cards

Langton is listed as number 27 of 50 in the 1930s Player's cigarette card collection.

External links

• Biography