Latford began his 55-year career in motorsports media and public relations by selling programs for the Daytona Beach races in 1946 for NASCAR founder Bill France, the father of Bill France, Jr. who was one of Latford's classmates at Seabreeze High School.
Following a stint in the U.S. Armed Forces, Latford was attending the University of Florida when he was offered a public relations job at the new Daytona International Speedway by France, Sr. and Houston Lawing.
Later on, Latford served as a public relations official and press box director at several tracks, including Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Latford also published a weekly newsletter for motorsports journalists, The Inside Line, along with four books (see below).
Latford worked his final race in the press box at North Carolina Motor Speedway, the Pop Secret 400 on October 22, 2000.