“ “Sad to hear…” – Kyle Larson, Tony Stewart & Clint Bowyer Lead Tributes to Fallen Dirt Legend
Tragedy struck the American racing community earlier. Scott Bloomquist, a Dirt Super Late Model legend, died tragically in an accident. According to local authorities, the 60-year-old died when his jet crashed into a barn on his property. When the news surfaced, the neighborhood was understandably shocked. Tributes flooded in from all around, with NASCAR star Kyle Larson leading the way.
Bloomquist was primarily known as a highly successful dirt racing driver and multiple-time champion. Away from the racetrack, he owned a private airstrip and was the only person on the plane when it crashed. Bloomquist also raced in the NASCAR Truck Series and three ARCA races during his career. During his time with Kyle Busch Motorsports, he finished 25th at the Eldora Speedway.
Since then, he’s been tearing up the dirt racing scene, winning numerous titles. Some of them include the World of Outlaws, Lucas Oil, Hav-A-Tampa, Dirt Late Model Dream, World 100, and Blue-Gray 100. With so many victories under his belt, Bloomquist was clearly accomplished. As a result, he was inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2002.
How did the plane accident take place?
According to reports, the plane crashed roughly 10 minutes before eight a.m. When worried citizens reported fire and black smoke at the area, fire and rescue organizations were immediately dispatched. The plane itself was a modest two-seater Piper Cub J3C-65 N21811 from 1938. Following the fire and rescue crews, state and federal aviation officials arrived shortly after to conduct an inquiry.
Apparently, those investigations yielded some interesting results. According to Federal Aviation Administration data, Scott Bloomquist did not hold a pilot’s license. Furthermore, the 1938 Piper Cub J3C-65 N21811 aircraft has not been licensed since 2012. All in all, his death is really unfortunate, and the dirt racing industry has lost a true jewel.
The 60-year-old had demonstrated that the racing itch never left him. This is because he continued to compete in Dirt Late Model races throughout the 2024 season. However, he had back surgery in 2023 after complaining of problems a year before. When he returned to racing, he wanted to make a statement, so he chose Eldora Speedway as the location. He was then driving for Team Zero Chassis. Unfortunately, contact with Shannon Babb caused a collision into the backstretch wall.
Now that this legend has moved on to the next stage of his life, the racing community is paying tribute.
Kyle Larson and other veterans pay homage to the late Scott Bloomquist
Of course, the American racing world quickly responded with their condolences. Kyle Larson, a NASCAR champion and dirt racer, wrote: “RIP Scott Bloomquist.”Clint Bowyer expressed sadness on the passing of Scott Bloomquist. The stories are infinite! You simply couldn’t fit his life into a single film; it’ll require a series! “RIP #blacksunshine #noweaklinks #18.”
Colby Evans, a young driver, even recalled meeting the legend. He submitted the following: “Got to meet Scott Bloomquist at the SRX race in Knoxville, was so nice and told a couple stories before he had to go to the drivers meeting Absolute ICON of the dirt racing scene and loved by everyone, RIP Legend!!!.” Rico Abreu, a racer, shared a profound message: “Never take anything for granted.” Everything can disappear so quickly. It’s a sad day for the racing community. Scott Bloomquist was an icon. He did and said whatever he pleased, and he won races. I’ll always remember this time with Mr. Black Sunshine. “Rest easy, Outlaw.”
Tony Stewart praised Scott Bloomquist as “one of a kind” and “probably the smartest guy I’ve ever been around” in dirt racing. What he could do behind the wheel of a racecar was equaled by the inventiveness he used to build his racecars. He was a force on and off the track, with a personality to match his accomplishments. He improved dirt racing with a presence that will be sorely missed.
He also expressed his thoughts and prayers for Scott Bloomquist’s family, friends, and fans. Innovator, intense competitor, and all-around badass don’t even begin to describe what he meant to the sport.Good luck, Scott. & thank you for everything you contributed to dirt racing. – TS.”
Donny Schatz expressed sadness for Scott Bloomquist’s death this morning. He and others have contributed to the success of the World of Outlaws Late Models Series. We will keep his family, friends, and followers in our prayers. RIP, Scott. – DS.
All in all, Scott Bloomquist will be greatly missed.
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