Dirt track racing icon Scott Bloomquist was tragically killed in a plane crash near his home in Mooresburg, Tennessee, on Friday morning.
According to media reports, local authorities confirmed Bloomquist was involved in a small aircraft crash.
The 60-year-old Dirt Late Model Hall of Famer, known for his unparalleled racing career, was the lone occupant of the plane.
The crash occurred at his property on 209 Brooks Road, where Bloomquist and his father kept a collection of vintage airplanes.
The Piper Cub N21811 aircraft, a small two-seater, reportedly crashed into a barn on his property, igniting a fire and sending plumes of black smoke into the air.
Sheriff Ronnie Lawson confirmed that multiple fire and rescue agencies responded to the scene after receiving reports of the crash at 7:50 a.m.
Bloomquist was declared deceased at the scene, and both state and federal aviation authorities are currently investigating the incident.
Scott Bloomquist’s name is synonymous with Dirt Late Model racing. His storied career began in 1980 at Corona Raceway in Corona, California, where he quickly made a name for himself.
By 1982, he had already clinched the track championship, a precursor to the legendary career that would follow.
In 1983, Bloomquist moved to Mooresburg, Tennessee, to work on his father’s farm, which allowed him to focus more intensely on racing.
He began competing in larger purse races within 100 miles of his new home, gradually becoming a local star at Kingsport Speedway.
His big break came in 1988 when he shocked the racing world by winning the prestigious World 100 at Eldora Speedway, a feat he repeated in 1990.
Over the years, he amassed an incredible list of achievements, including:
His racing prowess was matched only by his larger-than-life personality, which sparked passionate reactions from Dirt Late Model fans nationwide.
Bloomquist’s charisma and fearless approach to racing earned him both admirers and critics, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s most polarizing figures.
In recent years, Bloomquist faced a series of personal challenges, including injuries and health issues.
He suffered a leg injury in a motorcycle crash, battled prostate cancer, endured a foot injury before the 2023 Dirt Track World Championship at Eldora Speedway, and underwent shoulder surgery prior to the 2024 season.
Despite these setback, he remained determined to return to victory lane at some of Dirt Late Model racing’s most significant events.
One of the more unusual incidents in Bloomquist’s later years involved a horsefly bite, which led to hospitalization. Nevertheless, he continued to maintain his passion for racing and flying, a hobby he shared with his father.
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