EDR Riders

Josh Galster
AMA Supersport #177

So tell us about yourself. Where you from, how old...do you like frogs..

Well my name is Josh Galster and I race motorcycles. Yes, the ones where you drag your knee on the ground. ha-ha. I currently have all my stuff in Centennial, CO where I mostly grew up. 

How long you have been racing? How did you start?

2008 is my 5th year racing motorcycles, and my first year racing in the AMA. I started racing in Colorado in the MRA on a 2001 SV650 that had 40,000 miles, I still have the odometer when I took it off for racing. I raced in the MRA for a year and ended up 3rd in Supertwins GTU and 5th in Lightweight GP, along with the Rookie of the Year award. I then moved to San Diego where I raced in the WERA West series where in 2005 won the Championship in both Lightweight Twins Superstock and Superbike. 2006 was a busy year winning all the championships that I participated in, Lightweight Twins Superstock and Superbike, and the 600cc Superstock and Superbike classes. 2007 was a building year with my new bike, installing new parts throughout the year, and getting the knowledge and help with making suspension changes, which I never really did the years before. So to finish that year off I tied for first with Jason Perez in 600cc Superbike, 1st in 750cc Superstock, and 3rd in 600cc Superstock. And this year I am currently 16th in the points standing in Supersport as of the race in Miller.

How did you hook up with EDR Performance?

My teammate Misti Hurst had her motor built by Eric and I saw the huge advantage that she had over me on the dyno and then in the races where I would get a good drive out of the corner and catch right up to her and then she would just start pulling away even when I was drafting her. So needless to say that had to stop. So Misti introduced Eric to me at Fontana this year, and that is where the magic began.

How has EDR Performance helped your racing out?

Well now I have a motorcycle that is more competitive with the other top factory supported privateer teams, and has motor to launch my skinny ass down the straight-aways. We have been in the top 15 in trap speed (top speed) at the last two events since having EDR build my motor...that’s impressive! Also Eric has been a HUGE help at the track by helping out with setting the bike up, making and recording suspension changes, prepping the bikes, and just an encouraging voice telling me to drop my purse and pin it.

Did you notice a big change in your performance, riding, etc after having EDR build and tune your bike?

Sure did. Even though I was in Salt Lake City where there is no air, I noticed the grunt out of the corners and just the quickness that it went through the revs. Plus seeing my name near the top of the trap speed list is a pretty good indication that my motor was good, even when I wasn't getting the best drive I could out of the last corner.

What’s the best thing or benefit of having a shop like EDR Performance behind you as a privateer? At the track or just in general.

Eric is the best thing about EDR, along with his crew, who I would also like to thank for getting my bike ready in the very limited amount of time that we had before the race at Miller.

What’s your best race so far and why?

Every race I am always learning something new, whether it being a new track, new turns, metal challenges, race strategies, tire strategies, bike set-up, and all that sort of stuff. Plus it doesn't hurt when you are continually making the top 20 your first year out in the AMA and getting to ride along side the top factory riders who push you out of your comfort zone when you see them go by and you are wanting to keep up with them.

What do you think is one of your strong points in your riding?

Just being able to ride around what the bike may be doing, and just adapting to that.  Also the skills that I learned from California Superbike School helped a ton in my riding as well.

What is one of the points you'd like to work on the most?

I think the biggest thing that I see different about myself and the factory riders are that they brake later, and get on the gas earlier. It is just that simple.

If you could race any race/track in world, where/why?

I don't know. I just love going to all different tracks. Doesn’t matter if it is a MotoGP track, or a little club track, I just love to race. Every track is different, yet similar. I would love to race more of the European style tracks where they are wide, long, fast, and flowing, and also race in a couple European series.

What’s your favorite track? Least?

I can't say that there is one favorite, or least favorite. There are aspects of every track that I like. Some of the tracks that I enjoy would be, not in any order, Phillip Island, Eastern Creek, Mid-Ohio, Barber, VIR, Miller, 2nd Creek in Denver, CO before they tore it up, Laguna Seca, Infineon, Daytona, etc. One thing that I am not a fan of, are tracks that have a lot of cement walls close to the track. They don't move, and even if there are air fences in front of them, doesn't matter, I’ve slid under them and stop abruptly against tire walls. Not fun.

What do you want to race next season?

My goal for next year is to get on a factory supported team and see what I can accomplish when I have a dedicated crew behind me. 

Where do you see racing taking you?

To the next track. ha-ha. I’ve been around Eric for a little while, what a jokester he is. No, I would like to be able to support myself with racing; with what I love to do. But I can see myself racing, or riding well into my old age. 

What do you do in the off-season? Or for fun?

I don't really have an off-season. Last winter I went to Australia for a month to teach with the California Superbike School, but mostly to vacation there and take in all the sights, sounds, and experiences. When I do have a little time off I like to visit with friends that I haven't been able to see all year. I try to fill my schedule as much as I can. I am not a really big fan of just sitting not doing anything for more than just a little while. Some of the fun stuff that I do during the year might include racing motorcycles, riding dirt bikes, mountain bike riding, surfing, snowboarding, watch racing, and just enjoying life.

Who are your main sponsors, and tell us a bit about them

Slednecks is my title sponsor this year, who has some sick clothes including hoodies, hats, shirts, shorts, stickers, shotglasses, etc. EDR has help with building my motor, and help out in the pits at select venues. California Superbike School, where I teach as an instructor, is where I have learned a massive amount about my riding and has taken my riding to this level. Bazzaz Performance has the newest technology in fuel injection mapping, traction control, and quick shifter. The bikes now are becoming more and more involved with new technology and Bazzaz Performance is provide that to the public. Some other sponsors that have provided parts, and services include, LeoVince Exhaust, Aria Helmets, Performance Friction Brakes, Pirelli Tyres, Attack Performance, and GPR Stabilizers. I’m also working with an incredible photographer, Brandon Bones with Studio819, who has been taking brilliant photos of myself and other riders.