- Eric Langton
Eric Langton (1907
Leeds ,England – 2001 Perth,Australia ) was a Speedway who won theStar Riders' Championship in 1932, the forerunner to theSpeedway World Championship . He also finished runner-up in 1934. [Bamford, R. & Shailes, G. (2002). "A History of the World Speedway Championship". Stroud: Tempus Publishing. ISBN 0-7524-2402-5] Langton rode for theBelle Vue Aces from 1930 until his retirement in 1947. [Addison J. (1948). "The People Speedway Guide". Odhams Press Limited ]1936 World Final
Circumstances
He lost the run-off for the inaugural
Speedway World Championship toLionel 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 the standings and into a run-off (Match Race).The Match Race
As they lined up at the tapes, Langton broke them which would ordinarily lead to disqualification. However, Van Praag stated he did not want to win the title by default and insisted that a race should take place. At the restart Langton made it to the first bend in front and lead until the final bend on the last lap when Van Praag darted through the smallest of gaps to win by less than wheel length.
Controversy
Afterwards, controversial allegations were abound that the two riders had 'fixed' the match race, deciding between them that the first person to the first bend would win the race and the Championship and split the prize money. Van Praag's overtake seemed to quash those rumours.
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 .World Final Appearances
* 1936 - Flag|GBR Wembley - 2nd - 26pts + 2pts
* 1937 - Flag|GBR Wembley - 10th - 16pts
* 1938 - Flag|GBR Wembley - 8th - 13ptsExternal links
* [http://www.motorsport-fanatic.co.uk/speedway-langton.htm Biography]
References
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
