Scott Bloomquist, a renowned figure in the world of dirt track racing, died on Friday, August 16, 2024, in a plane crash on his family farm in Mooresburg, Tennessee. The racing legend was 60 years old.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Bloomquist did not have an active pilot’s license when his vintage Piper J3C-65 Cub airplane crashed into a barn on his family property. The plane reportedly caught fire upon impact. Bloomquist was the only person on board at the time of the crash. Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.
Bloomquist had an illustrious racing career spanning four decades, during which he claimed more than 600 wins and nine national championships. He was best known for his No. 0 late model cars that dominated dirt tracks nationwide, with notable victories at Eldora Speedway and Cedar Lake Speedway USA Nationals. His contributions to the sport were recognized in 2002 when he was inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame.
Although Bloomquist briefly ventured into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the ARCA Menards Series, his legacy lies predominantly in dirt track racing. His latest Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series title was won in 2016, and in 2018, he claimed another significant victory at Eldora Speedway in the Dream XXIV.
Beyond his racing prowess, Bloomquist was a pioneer in car design. As the owner of Team Zero Race Cars, he significantly influenced the development of dirt late-model chassis. His innovative designs have helped numerous drivers achieve success on the track. Kenny Wallace, a fellow racer, considered Bloomquist as one of the most intelligent figures in dirt racing.
Four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, Tony Stewart, paid tribute to Bloomquist, describing him as one of the smartest individuals he has known in the sport. Stewart emphasized Bloomquist’s exceptional driving skills and his significant contributions to car design.
Clint Bowyer, a former NASCAR driver, expressed his sorrow over Bloomquist’s untimely death. He reminisced about the many stories from Bloomquist’s life and speculated that it would take more than one film to fully portray his extraordinary life.
Bloomquist faced significant challenges in his later years, including a serious motorcycle accident in 2019 that resulted in severe leg and hip injuries, keeping him off the track for several months. Despite these hurdles, and a recent battle with prostate cancer, Bloomquist continued to compete until his death.
Bloomquist is survived by his daughter Ariel, his parents, and sister. His groundbreaking contributions to racing and his countless victories ensure his legacy will continue to influence the sport. His impact is evident in the drivers who continue to race in the cars he helped design.
