Scott Bloomquist, a titan in the world of dirt track racing, lost his life in a plane crash on his family farm in Mooresburg, Tennessee on Friday, August 16, 2024. The 60-year-old was piloting his vintage Piper J3C-65 Cub airplane when the accident occurred.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records reveal that Bloomquist did not hold an active pilot’s license at the time of the crash. The plane crashed into a barn on his family’s property after 7 a.m., catching fire upon impact. Bloomquist was the only person in the aircraft. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are currently investigating the accident.
Bloomquist’s illustrious 40-year career included more than 600 wins and nine national championships. His distinctive No. 0 late model cars graced dirt tracks nationwide, earning him four World 100 titles at Eldora Speedway in Ohio and five victories at the Cedar Lake Speedway USA Nationals. In 2002, he was welcomed into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame.
While Bloomquist briefly participated in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the ARCA Menards Series, his legacy was most prominent in dirt track racing. His latest Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series title was won in 2016, and in 2018, he took home the coveted Dream XXIV title at Eldora Speedway.
Bloomquist’s impact extended beyond driving, as he was a pioneer in car design. As the owner of Team Zero Race Cars, he played a significant role in the evolution of dirt late-model chassis. His innovative designs propelled the sport forward and were instrumental in many drivers’ successes on the track. Fellow racer Kenny Wallace hailed him as an intellectual force in dirt racing.
Tony Stewart, a four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, praised Bloomquist’s unique persona and intellect in the sport. Stewart underscored Bloomquist’s exceptional skills both as a driver and car designer, and highlighted his enduring influence on dirt racing with a personality as grand as his numerous accomplishments.
Clint Bowyer, a former NASCAR driver, expressed his grief over Bloomquist’s death. He recounted the myriad stories from Bloomquist’s life, suggesting that a single film would not suffice to encapsulate his entire story.
Bloomquist’s career was not devoid of hardships. In 2019, he sustained serious leg and hip injuries in a motorcycle accident, which kept him away from the track for several months. Despite these challenges and a recent diagnosis of prostate cancer, Bloomquist continued to race until the end.
Bloomquist is survived by his daughter, Ariel, his parents, and sister. His impact on racing will endure through the innovations he introduced to the sport and his numerous victories. His contributions continue to influence racers who drive the cars he helped to design.
