Tom Bigelow
Tom Bigelow
By Dave Argabright
Tom Bigelow is recognized as one of the greatest sprint car drivers in history, but these days you’ll find him holding a paintbrush instead of a steering wheel.
Since retiring from racing in 1993 the Wisconsin native spends his days helping out at Winchester Speedway, just a couple of miles from his home. Bigelow relocated to the Winchester area nearly 50 years ago.
Bigelow will be in the spotlight once again on Sunday, June 29 when the 500 Sprint Tour makes their debut at Winchester Speedway for the Tom Bigelow Showdown.
A fierce competitor in any type of car, Bigelow was especially tough in sprint cars. He scored a sensational breakout win at Eldora Speedway on April 6, 1969, and when his career had concluded he had established the all-time record for USAC sprint car wins at 52. His mark stood from 1981 until 2014, a remarkable 33 years. He was the USAC National Sprint Car champion in 1978.
A versatile racer, Bigelow also shined in midgets and made nine starts at the Indianapolis 500 with his best finish of sixth in 1977. He was the 1984 USAC National midget champion.
His sprint car roots go deep in the sport. Bigelow began racing sprint cars with IMCA in the early 1960s and in 1966 raced weekly at Knoxville Raceway, finishing third in track points behind Jerry Blundy and Bill Utz.
He paid his dues along the way, working side jobs as an electrician, truck driver, and assorted trades to make ends meet. He began hitting his winning stride in 1972 and for the next 20 years was a contender in anything, anywhere.
Bigelow’s winning ways, along with his friendly demeanor and unassuming nature, made him a fan favorite and his loyal following was especially strong in the Midwest.
A smart, heady racer, Bigelow rarely appeared in crash videos or highlight films. He forged a reputation as a racer who could win and get to the pay window night after night, year after year.
He was also a master at getting inside the head of his competitors. His tenure with the well-funded Armstrong Mould team from 1977 through 1979 brought 30 wins and had the sprint car community constantly fired up with allegations of cheating and special tires. Bigelow gleefully fueled the fire with post-race victory interviews thanking Goodyear for the “trick tires” they were providing—although the team’s tires were purchased off the truck the same as everyone else.
Bigelow’s retirement from competition in 1993 came about after suffering a broken back in two straight seasons. In 1999 he was recognized by the National Sprint Car Poll as one of the greatest drivers of the 20th Century.
Bigelow was once asked how he would want to be remembered: a sprint car guy, a midget racer, or an Indy car driver. He answered without hesitation.
“It would be sprint cars,” he said. “I loved sprint cars. The horsepower factor to weight…they were exciting. They were always exciting.”
