Tennessee's motorsport community is grieving after the sudden death of legendary dirt racer Scott Bloomquist following a small aircraft crash near his home in Mooresburg, Tennessee.
NBC Sports reported that Bloomquist, famous for his audacious career on the dirt track, was 60 years old at the time of his death. His passing is a significant blow to the sport, where he was both a champion and a transformative figure.
Scott Bloomquist, age 60, perished in a tragic plane crash near his home while piloting one of his cherished vintage planes.
The incident occurred on a quiet Friday morning as Bloomquist took to the skies over his family farm, commanding one of the vintage aircraft he passionately collected and piloted.
According to statements from family friends, the crash happened unexpectedly as he was maneuvering the plane over the familiar terrain of his property.
With a career spanning several decades, Bloomquist was a titan in the realm of Late Model Dirt racing, amassing 94 wins in the Lucas Oil Late Model series and 33 victories in the World of Outlaws Late Model series.
His prowess on the tracks made him not just a competitor to be reckoned with, but a legend that many aspiring racers looked up to.
Bloomquist's most recent noteworthy victory occurred back in 2020 at the Thunder Mountain Speedway in Knox Dale, Pennsylvania. Although the latter years of his racing tenure did not add more wins, he still demonstrated top form by securing a top-five finish at this year's Schaeffer’s Oil Spring Nationals Series event in Tazewell, Tennessee, showcasing his undying commitment to the sport.
Scott’s impact extended beyond mere racing victories; he played a pivotal role in the revival of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, contributing to its current prestige and popularity.
Brian Carter, CEO of the World Racing Group, highlighted Bloomquist's integral involvement with DIRTcar Racing and the World of Outlaws, noting his crucial part in reshaping and promoting the series to what it has become today.
The racing community has expressed profound sadness and respect for Bloomquist, with tributes pouring in highlighting his unique character and contributions.
NASCAR star Clint Bowyer commented on his death, remarking, "Sad to hear of the passing of Scott Bloomquist. The stories are endless. You simply couldn’t fit his life into just one movie; it’ll take a series!" This sentiment encapsulates the larger-than-life personality and enduring legacy that Bloomquist leaves behind.
Known for his daring and often unconventional approach, Scott Bloomquist wasn’t just a racer; he was a fervent enthusiast of the sport.
His passion not only for racing but for all facets related to it, including his love for vintage planes, painted a picture of a man dedicated to his interests, often pushing the boundaries of both his professional and personal life.
Bloomquist's death is a sharp reminder of the risks associated with aviation, particularly when piloting vintage aircraft, which require a special blend of skill and caution due to their unique characteristics and age-related vulnerabilities.
The racing tracks and the skies were both realms where Bloomquist excelled and inspired. As news of his untimely death spreads, reflections on his impactful career and adventurous spirit serve to commemorate a life truly lived in the fast lane, both on the ground and above it.
His contributions to motorsports, especially the cherished dirt tracks he loved, will be remembered as landmarks in the sport's history.