He began his racing career at the Badger Midget Racing Association at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.[2] His first attempt at the National Championship was in 1967, and he finished eighteenth. He had 1968 midget wins at Hales Corners Speedway in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, and at the Sycamore, Illinois, track. He won the first Astro Grand Prix in the Houston Astrodome in 1969.[2][3] His come back in Midgets started in 1981 driving for Sandy Racing.
In 1984, he was National USAC Midget Champion. For two years in a row (1982 and 1983), he was USAC Spreedrome champion.
USAC/CART
Bigelow's 1981 Indycar (or replica) in a vintage car race
He raced in USAC and CART in 17 seasons (1968–1983 and 1985), with 104 combined career starts, and started in the Indianapolis 500 every year during 1974 to 1982. He finished in the top ten 39 times, with his best finish in second position in 1978 at Texas World Speedway and Milwaukee.[3]
Bigelow started in nine straight Indianapolis 500 races between 1974 and 1982, his best finish was sixth in 1977.[3]
Sprint car
Bigelow was the 1978 USAC Sprint Car Series Champion.[3] He became the leader in USAC Sprint car single season wins with 14.[2] Bigelow won 52 USAC Sprint Car races in his career.[3]
Return to midget cars
He returned to his roots won the 1984 USAC National Midget Series Champion. He finished fourth, third, and ninth in the following three season. He also won the 1982 USAC Midwest Regional midget car title. His car (number 16) was owned by Carl Sandy, husband of Carol Sandy and father of Duane, Mathew, and Troy Sandy.
