Grant Langston Retires
Monday, August 30, 2010 | 12:00 PM
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PrintFormer AMA MX Nationals 125 & 250 champ, twice 125 AMA Supercross regional champion and FIM MXGP 125 champ calls it a (brilliant) career
ORANGE, Calif. – South Africa’s most successful motocross racer of all time, and certainly one of the great MXers of his generation – Grant Langston – has decided to call it a career.
"For me, moving to America was a dream come true," said Langston. "I’ve started my family here and have made great friends. I am also fortunate enough to have enjoyed a great international career and an incredible world-wide fan base.
"While walking away was a very difficult decision, I do intend to remain in the United States and stay in the industry in some capacity."
The Zulu Warrior first arrived on U.S. shores in 2001 on the heels of a 125cc FIM MXGP World Championship with KTM. Sticking with the Austrian bike manufacturer Langston would parlay his European success into instant dividends, winning the Dallas 125 Supercross main event and adding two more podium finishes in his first year racing AMA Supercross. That summer Langston would step it up even more, recording an impressive five 125 Outdoor National overall victories. But the ’01 MX Nationals season would be Langston’s – and motocross fans in general – most memorable season in recent history, albeit in defeat for Langston.
As it read in Cycle News: There, on a sunny afternoon just outside Pittsburgh, one man’s dream came true – while another’s was shattered. And on the shattered end of things was KTM’s Grant Langston, a broken hub and dangling spokes told the then sad story of a young South African motocross racer who’d lost the fight to become the champion of the most prestigious motocross series in the world – the Outdoor Nationals.
Said Langston, the ’01 MX Nationals’ 125cc runner-up, in a later Cycle News interview: "Well, at that point it did almost kill me," he said of the Steel City race. "I thought about it a lot. I wanted that title I felt I deserved before I went to the 250s. If I didn’t win that title it probably would have followed me the rest of my life."
Following an injury-laden sophomore year in the States, Langston came roaring back with a vengeance – not only endearing him to a legion of fans both here and abroad, but also gaining his first of numerous AMA titles – the 2003 125cc MX Nationals crown – the title that had eluded him in ‘01. Noteworthy: The title would be KTM’s first (and only) American motocross championship.
Grant Langston was on a KTM 125 in 2003.
Photo: Simon Cudby
The gutty racer would soldier on through a painful 2004 supercross season, placing 11th, only to suffer a late-season injury that would keep him on the sidelines for the outdoor national season - dashing the hopes of defending his ’03 title.
But when things looks like they were about over for Langston after parting ways after seven years with KTM (1998-’04), Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Mitch Payton took a flyer on Langston – and it ended up being another in a long line of great decisions for the Corona, Calif.-based company. Langston came back fit and hungry and lit up the ’05 ESX tour, winning three races and locking down two more podiums to score his first AMA Supercross No. 1 plate.
The ’05 outdoor MX season would be solid for Langston as well, locking down 125 class wins with Pro Circuit/Kawasaki at the Hangtown (Calif.) opener, Southwick (Mass.), RedBud (Mich.) and the season’s last contest at Glen Helen (Calif.). Despite the wins, injuries and inconsistencies would relegate Langston to 4th overall.
Moving west for the WSX rounds, Langston successfully defended his ’05 125cc (now called SX Lites) championship with three wins and three podium finishes. His limited MX Lites racing that summer would be the last time Langston booted up in the support class.
Grant Langston was on Pro Circuit Kawasaki in 2005.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Changing brands in 2007 to Factory Yamaha and moving up to the premier SX (formerly 250cc) class, Langston struggled during the supercross season, but made one of the decade’s most amazing comebacks when he won his most cherished title – the ‘07 AMA MX Nationals MX championship – the granddaddy of all motocross crowns. And just for good measure Langston would back the Nationals up with the ’07 Las Vegas U.S. Open of Supercross title.
Grant won the 2007 AMA Outdoor Motocross title.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Through the past several race seasons Langston has battled several injuries, specifically a medical condition where a melanoma tumor that developed in the left eye caused loss of vision. And that, Langston says, was the clincher. "Dealing with recurring injuries takes the joy out of racing," he said. "I can’t hang it out like I used to. And if I’m not able to compete at my best – I do not want to race."
Throughout his career, along with his wife, Chelsey, the constant in Langston’s life had been his father, Gerald. Good-natured and always a champion for his son’s efforts, Gerald, along with Grant, formed a father/son race team that’s a model for young up-and-coming racers and their dads. They remain true to their cause to this day with Grant being the majority share-holder in Langston Motorsports, owned and operated by Gerald.
"My dad’s been a big part of my career, I love him a lot and look forward to working with him and the rest of my family at Langston Motorsports," said Grant.
Langston headed up his own race team for the 2010 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross series.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Note: Langston is entertaining opportunities to remain in the motorcycle industry. Inquires can be made to OMS Sports’ West Coast operations, (714) 538-1803 or sharon.richards@omssports.com
OMS Sports is a global, full-service sport marketing agency specializing in athlete representation, strategic marketing partnerships, industry relations, licensing and merchandising opportunities in the world of Extreme Personal Powersports. For more information, contact OMS Sports’ Sharon Richards at the West Coast office, (714) 538-1803 and sharon.richards@omssports.com
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Langston says "And if I’m not able to compete at my best – I do not want to race." and we are all ok but if JS says that we are quick to judge him.
Cheers Langston, you are one of the good guys.
This blows. I'm blaming JLow for part of this! If GL were on Team Kawie like Nyk he'd be on the podium instead of retiring. I'll say it again THIS BLOW'S!
Dear dgizzy, That is because JS makes excuses often. He cries about not making the MXoNs, but then makes an excuse that he his not in shape to race the rest of the nationals the following day. Seems that whenever JS opens his mouth, he tries to take responsibility for his poor results (or whatever he is defending,) but it is shortly followed with "but, but, but, ect." JS can be as good as RC on a bike, but his personality will never equal RC.
Was really hoping all would work out in time. We will miss seeing the #8 out on the track. Wish him all the best.
@ dgizzy, Isn't this a Grant Langston article? Why do you have to bring up Stewart? Stewart just lost. Do you know how long he has been riding for? 2 months I think? James Stewart waited until he knew he was at 100%, he's been at 100%. James Stewart is fine, he just got beat by Ryan Dungey and Clement DeSalle and is upset he didn't make the Motocross of Nations team for his tv show so he's done for the season. Wish you well Grant Langston!
dgizzy, theres a big difference. Langston had cancer in his eye and can no longer see well enough to fight for wins, nor will he EVER be able to ride to his potential again. Plus, he has had a long and successful career, retiring is the smart thing to do at this point. JS may have been a little out of shape, but he hasn't lost his abilities to go 100% and fight for wins. He even said himself he was medically 100% cleared to ride. If it is a measure of safety, I don't see it. I think there is too much "other" stuff involved in James' decision to back out. I'd be really interested in knowing the REAL story as to why he pulled out. Because I do believe that he still has it inside of him somewhere to want to compete regardless. it just doesn't make sense.
What an idiotic statement, dgizzy. (Why am I surprised?) Langston had CANCER, which PERMANENTLY affected his eyesight. In what way does that compare to Stewart?
Grant, you will be missed. What a great competitor and all around person. I will miss seeing GL on the starting gate. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR TALENT WITH US. I wish you the best of luck in whatever the future holds for you. May good karma come your way :)
@Dgizzy Langston never said he would come back and clean up like the commnent Stewart made round Budds Creek National.
dgizzy, you are an IDIOT to compare Stewart with Langston. What a fool you are.
Good guy with a LOT of heart!! Good luck in what ever u do.
dgizzy = tool shed. You have gone well beyond the rank of tool, even a tool box, you are now considered to be an entire shed of tool-age. The man RETIRED FROM PROFESSIONAL RACING!! He didnt give up on the rest of the outdoor season and say that he'd be back for A1. Stewart claimed he would be back for the last 4 rounds "for the fans", and then he quits after getting a 3rd in his first moto back. Langston has been out there every week, racing out of his own pocket, and i dont think he ever broke the top 5. Langston is a true warrior. Stewart is not even in the same realm as a guy like that.
Grant, I appreciate the courage you have always shown battling injuries and then cancer. You will always be a class act and a champion no matter how you contribute to the industry on the track or off.
dgizzy=total moron. The difference is the Langston CAN'T compete anymore due to his eye. The same type of thing that happened with Tony D. Quick question: do you know why you have two eyes? You don't have any depth perception with one eye. Not having depth perception makes MX impossible. Anyway, there's nothing wrong with JS except he needs to leave San Manual, drop the stupid TV show, dump the entourage, start working out, and go back to kicking A**. Duh.
COOL G #8 one of the nicest and competitive riders ever! Met him several times can t say anything but good things about the man, He has made a decision that he thinks is best for him, so as long as he is happy thats all that counts! Glad i got to meet him, hope he stays in the industry so maybe he can get his own team and show some riders how a proffessional athlete should act! COOLG is a class act. IMO
our sport just saw a great retire! Its a sad day for our sport, but I wish Grant all the best and happiness in his retirement. He is and always has been a total class act. We will miss him!!!!
rg807 you are missing the whole point. His eye is 100% now. he just feels like he cant compete at his best. He's had knee injuries and stuff and thats what keeps bothering him.
Class act, great amba*sador for our sport. I'll always remember the '03 125 season as one of the best. GL & Ryno stormed through that season on those screaming KTM 125 two strokes. I was a Ryno fan and was really bummed at the time the way the title came down w/ Kenworthy's cancelling and all but, as they say, a champion is defined by his compet*tion. The '07 450 title run was great as well. Again I was rooting for his compet*tion, thought Shorty had it but, Grant made a believer out of a lot of us. Congratulations on a spectacular career Grant! History will remember you as one of the good ones.
Cool G hanging up the boots..... can't say I'm surprised. After all he's been through a lesser man would have packed it in years ago.... But Langston is a warrior and kept plugging away year after year..... The MX industry lost a great racer, but probably gained a good executive..... Some team or product out there should be itching to get Grant into the fold.......Onward and upward G.... :)
I hate to see cool g go:(, he was one of my favorite riders, and i had the opportunity to meet him a few times, and he was probally the nicest guy out there!!! You know when most those guys are talking to you they really don't seem that interested. GL was quite enthusiastic to talk to me and that right there made me a life long fan!!! plus he was one hell of a rider!!!! He nabbed quite a few championships in his career, way to go Grant, good luck in your future endeavors
Hate to see this happen. Always one of my favorites. Too bad he never got to defend his outdoor title in '08. He will be missed. Would have loved to see him asked to fill in on a facory bike this year. I think he would have done well. Met him and his wife(and baby) in '04 in Orlando, and you couldnt have met a nicer family. Always a class act.
Hence Langston announces his retirement, dizzy. Not that he will go home and work some more to get betterer.
This is not a surprise, but still a bummer.......for selfish reasons obviously. Always been a fan of Grant Langston......i flew out to Steel City with the hopes of seeing him win the title that day........ and a busted wheel was the deciding factor....BUMMED!!! Took me quite a while to even be able to look at a picture of Mike Brown..haha. You are definitely one of the good guys GL....carry on!!
You will be missed Grant! Awesome guy, awesome story, true warrior. Hope to still see you at the races. Congratulations on a successful career.
"Through the past several race seasons Langston has battled several injuries, specifically a medical condition where a melanoma tumor that developed in the left eye caused loss of vision. And that, Langston says, was the clincher." Keep trying, dgizzy.
We will miss you so much Zulu!! I hope we can see you sometime soon at the races.
Have you listened to Langston do color commentary during a race? It's damn near perfect! Objective and honest from a racer's perspective yet he doesn't talk over anyone's head without dumbing it down.
I would trade Emig for Langston in the booth ANY DAY. I'm tired of the Kawasaki commercial every week.
i had the privalege of meeting grant at last year's moto gp at indy, a true first class representative of the mx world.
I agree "capitalland" ! Emig can't put together a full sentence, and that JS7 tattoo on his ass really shows through. Langston was great when he was doing color. BRING HIM BACK FULL TIME GUYS!!!
man its so sad to see such a competitor move on. i guess it must be a step in me being a bigger fan but 5 years ago it didnt bother me a bit too see anyone leave cause there was always a replacement. Now it seems like these ridders leaving are also leaving a big hole in the competition/sport (gl8 and timmy). i really hope to see both of them around a lot in the industry! I for one see enough women holding energy drinks. maybe its time to have a ex racer doing the on field interviews? Do i possibly see a spot for him maybe doing the Pre/Post shows with weege?
Wishing you all the best! You will always be a great champion and I will miss not seeing the #8 on the track!! Thank You,Grant!
He already has that spot at RacerX getting Weege the wrong sandwiches. Not sure he'd give that up for any other industry positions.
Good Luck Grant you were one of the best who "would " race it out for your fans!
Grant! You had a great career. The way you pulled off that 07 championship was impressive! Got to tell you though that crap you pulled on Bobby Bonds has never left me. So Sorry! Good luck from here!
I agree with Grant calling the races, he does a proper job. Grant Thanks for all the years of awesome racing, I'll miss seeing one of the BEST on the track.
Grant needs to start his own "Langston Motorsports" SX team in the 250 class now... that would be great at giving another team for some of the young up and coming riders a chance to ride for. I think GL would be an awsome team manager.
How is it that a guy like Langston comes over and doesn't rile up the American fans the way Reed did? I'm a fan of both guys, but there must be something in the personalities that the fans responded to differently. Whatever the case, good job to you Grant. The fans love ya!
Grant you have had a bloody good career, although I was heart broken for you when you didn't get the chance to race with your #1 plate due to your eye. you are one of the few guys who never seems to give up hope. Congratulations and best of luck in the future. So sad to see you go.
Maico, I think going SX only had a HUGE part in Reed's PR issues. He seems to have many more fans now and is less hated now. It's about attitude too. Look at Metty, everyone seems to like him. It's because he is a hard charger and doesn't say the wrong things, give excuses, etc. Reed developed a reputation as a whiner and also spoke his mind which made him seem full of himself, maybe he was. Grant never seemed to have any issue though as I think almost everyone wanted him to win that 1st 125 title when his wheel blew up.
It always cracked me up when they call him the Zulu Warrior. It would be kind of like calling Reed the aborigine warrior or Dungey the Sioux warrior. Sorry to hear his last comeback didn’t go well.
Cool G calling the races? ......Well I would have to say...no.... Langston would not work for the same reason Bailey does not work (and TV execs agree) that is because they are too good, too even. Simply put, they are not expressive enough... Look in all sports and "color" commentators are always the guys that are more flamboyant.... Football had Madden and his "bam" or "boom" .... Baseball had Rizzo and his "Holy Cow!"..... The NHL had John Davidson and his "Oh Baby!" etc...etc... Emig works because he gets excited, just like a fan would. People identify with that while listening on the TV... People like us who read Racer-X might appreciate the genius of Bailey or Langston, but most people would prefer the more ....well....the guys that wear the big watches...lol....I like Fro, I think he's the perfect MX color guy. If I cannot be at the race, I want to get as close as possible, and Emig does an excellent job of really relaying the "feelings" of what is going on... .. and he's not exactly a dummy when it comes to breaking down the action...
Your a class act grant, it was awesome to see you win that elusive outdoor championship! Enjoy your retirement!
Isn't he and Albee the real Afican American MX Champions?
Dear Grant, Having grown up in the same town as you (Hillcrest) it was such a gigantic honour to be a fan of yours. Watching you come up in the footsteps of the legend Greg Albertyn, and beating guys like Bruce "the boss" Robertsen, Steven Coetzee, Glen Dempsey, Leigh Lareserveigh (we went to school together), Steve Diason (not sure on spelling) basically guys I grew up watching on TV and at the races (wish my parents had let me race MX back then) you surpassed everyone's expectations. I moved to Europe and had the honour of meeting u at the 99 Swiss Rogenbourg GP where you grabbed that holeshot and let for 2 laps in front of Chiodi, Brown and Federici. I still have that 39 Champ KTM shirt! THANKS! My older Bro and I are honoured to be South African, especially when people in Europe and the States see the quality in you both on and off the track. Considering all you know, I totally see you saving KTM's b-hind in the US and managing their team. Honest opinion. I think you would make an outstanding commentator, like Bailey, but even more eloquent and funny. Young kids riding today SHOULD be looking up to guys like you, never one for making excuses. Tears came out of my eyes when you went up to Mike Brown and congratulated him on his crown. Man...ive NEVER seen an athlete as gracious as that in defeat! A warrior with class! Brains and Brawn!!