Scott Bloomquist, renowned as one of the greatest dirt track racers, tragically lost his life on August 16, 2024 when his vintage Piper J3C-65 Cub airplane crashed on his family-owned farm in Mooresburg, Tennessee. He was 60 years old at the time of his death.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Bloomquist did not have an active pilot’s license. The plane crashed into a barn on his family’s property after 7 a.m., immediately catching fire upon impact. Both the National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are currently investigating the accident. Bloomquist was the only person onboard the aircraft.
In a career spanning over 40 years, Bloomquist accumulated over 600 wins and nine national championships. His iconic No. 0 late model cars were a common sight on dirt tracks nationwide, with his major victories including four World 100 titles at Eldora Speedway in Ohio and five Cedar Lake Speedway USA Nationals wins. In recognition of his illustrious career, he was inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2002.
Bloomquist’s influence extended beyond dirt racing. He also briefly participated in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the ARCA Menards Series. Despite his short NASCAR career, his impact was most profoundly felt in dirt track racing. His most recent Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series title was in 2016, and he won another esteemed victory at Eldora Speedway, the Dream XXIV, in 2018.
As the owner of Team Zero Race Cars, Bloomquist’s contributions to the sport also included innovations in car design, particularly in the development of dirt late-model chassis. His designs have not only advanced the sport but also significantly contributed to the success of many drivers on the track. Fellow driver Kenny Wallace has praised him as one of the most intelligent figures in dirt racing.
Tony Stewart, a four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, spoke of Bloomquist as an exceptional figure in the sport and one of the smartest individuals he’s ever known. Stewart emphasized Bloomquist’s unique abilities both as a driver and a car designer, mentioning his significant influence on dirt racing along with his larger-than-life personality.
Reflecting on the tragic news, former NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer expressed deep sorrow over Bloomquist’s passing. He fondly remembered the numerous stories from Bloomquist’s life, suggesting that it would take more than a single movie to fully capture his extraordinary story.
Bloomquist’s career was marked by resilience and tenacity, overcoming difficult challenges such as a serious motorcycle accident in 2019 that resulted in severe leg and hip injuries, sidelining him from racing for several months. Even while battling prostate cancer recently, Bloomquist continued to compete until his untimely death.
Bloomquist is survived by his daughter Ariel, who was a source of immense pride for him, as well as his parents and sister. His legacy in racing will endure through his innovative contributions to the sport and his numerous victories. His influence will continue to be felt by the many racers who drive the cars he designed.
