Welcome back to the Edge Grip podcast! In this episode, we are live from Chuckwalla Valley Raceway with a true legend of the paddock, Steve Biganski. Fresh off a day at the track, we dive deep into Steve’s incredible history as an expert racer and mechanic, his insights on bike setup, and the critical medical battle he is currently facing.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Trackside Problem Solving: Steve recounts helping Alfonso Calfano sort out electronic cut-out issues and tire tearing on his Aprilia by switching compounds and adjusting suspension,.
- MotoGP Engineering: Observations from the COTA paddock, comparing the massive teams behind riders like Rossi and Marquez to the one-man operations in club racing, and the mystery of how MotoGP tires remain smooth after 40 minutes of abuse,.
- Nicky Ienatsch & Mick Doohan: A classic story about Nick getting invited to ride Mick Doohan’s 500cc and Tady Okada’s works 250cc at Suzuka, and why the 250cc was actually the more terrifying beast,.
- Racing Against Eddie Lawson: Steve shares the story of his 1976 Daytona novice race on a Yamaha TZ250 modified by Don Vesco. He details battling Eddie Lawson for the lead until a 35-cent shifter spring broke on the final lap,,.
- The "Secret" TZ750: Acquiring a TZ750 that finished second at Daytona, only to discover it was secretly fitted with factory OW31 cylinders and heads that were supposed to be destroyed,.
- Sean Woolery’s Championship: How Steve helped Sean Woolery set up his chassis, leading Sean to win the Arma series 250cc championship in his first full season,.
- A Life in the Air: Steve’s past as a skydiving instructor with over 300 jumps and two terrifying main chute malfunctions,.
Support Steve Biganski:
A major focus of this episode is Steve’s deteriorating vision. Despite paying for health insurance for decades, his provider has denied coverage for the specific lens replacement surgery he needs to fix his severe astigmatism and cataracts, deeming it "cosmetic",,.
Steve is currently unable to read menus or see clearly at night, threatening his livelihood. The racing community is rallying to help him cover the surgery costs.
How to Help: Please visit Angel Link and search for "Biganski" or "Help Steve regain his vision",.
Direct Link: https://angelink.com/fundraiser-public/d2976353-e90a-49cb-9348-5107ac483adc
Quotes from the Episode:
"You do this long enough and you think you got everything figured out... and then it's something else. You're always learning."
