On August 16, 2024, Tennessee witnessed a heartbreaking plane crash that claimed the life of renowned dirt track racer Scott Bloomquist, aged 60. The racer, often hailed as the greatest dirt track driver of all time, tragically died while piloting a 1938 Piper J3C-65 Cub aircraft in his hometown of Mooresburg.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) preliminary report, the accident occurred around 7:15 AM when Bloomquist’s plane struck a barn on his family farm and immediately caught fire. Bloomquist was the only passenger on board and was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigations revealed that the plane had not been certified for flight since 2012, and Bloomquist himself was not a licensed pilot.
Born in Iowa and later relocating to California with his family, Bloomquist was introduced to flying by his father, an airline pilot. However, he ultimately chose a career in racing, becoming a legend in the sport.
A Glorious Racing Career
Bloomquist’s racing career began in 1980 at the Corona Raceway in California. Over the next few decades, he amassed numerous victories and honors, including the 2004 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Championship and the 2009, 2010, and 2016 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championships. His achievements cemented his status as a legend in dirt track racing, leading to his induction into the Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2002.
Known for his aggressive racing style and unique personality, Bloomquist became a symbol in the racing world, with the iconic skull inside the “0” on his car representing his fierce competitive spirit. He was not only a formidable driver but also demonstrated exceptional intelligence in car manufacturing, earning the respect of many peers as one of the smartest individuals in the dirt racing world.
Tributes and Honors
Bloomquist’s passing has sparked widespread mourning. The Scott Bloomquist Racing Facebook page posted a tribute, calling him a “great friend and hero.” Jerry Caldwell, President and General Manager of Bristol Motor Speedway, described Bloomquist as “undoubtedly the greatest late model dirt racer in the history of the sport.”
Fellow racer Tony Stewart took to social media, stating, “His accomplishments in driving a race car were matched by the wisdom he put into building them. He was a force both on and off the track, with a personality as big as his achievements.”
Bloomquist’s friend and Chairman of the Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame, Gerald Newton, remarked, “The world lost a great racer, a great friend, and a great father, but heaven gained a great angel.”
The loss of Scott Bloomquist is a profound one for the dirt racing community. His accomplishments and spirit will forever be etched in the annals of racing history. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations of racers.
