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. After retiring from the sport he returned to Belle Vue in May 1946 to replace the injured Bill Pitcher, scoring a full maximum in his first match back, averaging 10.93 in his comeback season and finishing fourth in the British Riders Championship, the team also winning the National Trophy again that year.
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. Bonus points accumulated by Langton and Van Praag took them to the top of the standings and into a run-off (Match Race).
As they lined up at the tapes, Langton broke them which would ordinarily lead to disqualification. Van Praag reportedly paid Langton £50 "conscience money" after the race for going back on the agreement.
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. 1936 - London, Wembley Stadium - 2nd - 26pts (lost run-off)
1937 - London, Wembley Stadium - 10th - 16pts
1938 - London, Wembley Stadium - 8th - 13pts.