US

Legendary Dirt Track Racer Scott Bloomquist Dies in Tragic Plane Crash at Age 60

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.

Bloomquist: A Legacy of Racing Greatness

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:

  • 2004 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Champion
  • 2009, 2010, 2016 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion
  • 1994, 1995, 1998, 2000 Hav-A-Tampa Dirt Late Model Series Champion
  • Multiple Dirt Late Model Dream and World 100 victories
  • 2002 National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame inductee

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.

Challenges and Resilience

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.

Also Read: DOJ Defends Controversial Boeing Plea Deal Amid Backlash from Victims’ Families

Recent Posts

US-Backed Army Chief Joseph Aoun Elected Lebanon’s New President, Ending 2-Year Stalemate

Lebanon's parliament has elected Joseph Aoun, the US-backed army chief, as the country's new president,…

9 hours ago

Winter Storm to Slam Southern U.S. as Fierce Winds Spark Wildfires in California

A major winter storm is poised to deliver a significant blow to the southern United…

1 day ago

Trump 2.0 Impact? Meta Adopts X-Style Community Notes, Ending Controversial Fact-Checking Era

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on Tuesday that the company is scrapping its fact-checking program…

2 days ago

Jan 6 Insurrection Pardons: A Key Issue as Trump Prepares for Second Inauguration”

It has been exactly four years since the Jan 6 2021 Capitol riots, or as…

3 days ago

Deep Freeze Grips U.S. as Major Winter Storm Sweeps Across Nation: 60 Million Under Weather Alerts

A large winter storm is spreading across the United States this weekend, leaving millions bracing…

4 days ago

George Soros, Hillary Clinton Among 19 Recipients Of Presidential Medal of Freedom

President Joe Biden on Saturday awarded controversial billionaire political activist and philanthropist George Soros with…

5 days ago