Dirt Track Racing Driver Scott Bloomquist Killed in Tennessee Plane Crash Near Family Home

Scott Bloomquist prepares for practice for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series inaugural Mudsummer Classic in Rossburg, Ohio, on July 24, 2013. Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Famed dirt racing driver Scott Bloomquist has died at the age of 60 in a plane crash near his family home in Tennessee.

A family friend took to Facebook on Aug. 16 to confirm Bloomquist was killed while out flying his single-engine Piper J-3 plane.

“Scott Bloomquist was a great friend of mine along with a lot of people in the Dirt Late Model ... and racing community,” Reid Millard wrote on behalf of Bloomquist’s mother, Georgie.

The vintage plane reportedly crashed into a barn on his family’s farm in Mooresburg, at approximately 7:15 a.m. on Friday. Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.

Tributes began pouring in across social media from drivers and racing experts alike, with four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart calling him “one of a kind.”

“He’s probably the smartest guy I’ve ever been around when it comes to dirt racing,” wrote Stewart.

“What he could do behind the wheel of a racecar was matched by the ingenuity he put into building his racecars. He was a force on the track and off, with a personality as big as his list of accomplishments. He made dirt racing better with a presence that will be greatly missed.”

Meanwhile, NASCAR commentator and former driver Clint Bowyer expressed his condolences alongside a photo of Bloomquist. “The stories are endless! You simply couldn’t fit his life into just one movie, It’ll take a series!”

Bloomquist is survived by his daughter, parents, and sister.

Early Career

Bloomquist was born in Iowa, but later relocated to California, where he continued to reside throughout his life and was able to pursue a racing career. His family eventually wanted to move east and purchased the farm in Tennessee.

While racing was his passion, Bloomquist, being the son of an airline pilot, also found skill in flying himself.

Making his professional debut as a racer in 1980, Bloomquist went on to become a three-time champion of the Lucas Oil Late Model and winner of 33 World of Outlaws Late Model races.

Throughout a number of touring series in his career, Bloomquist won nine national championships and garnered more than 600 victories.

He also had a vast knowledge of cars themselves, being able to take apart a vehicle and put it back together himself.

Despite the various injuries he sustained throughout his races over the years, Bloomquist made headway in the racing industry to become a long-lasting favorite.

Scott Bloomquist drives the #51 ToyotaCare Toyota during practice for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series inaugural Mudsummer Classic in Rossburg, Ohio, on July 23, 2013. Tom Pennington/Getty Images

He was inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2002, gaining legendary status for his accomplishments and innovations throughout the dirt late model industry.

“He played a key role with DIRTcar Racing and the World of Outlaws, helping to rebuild the World of Outlaws Late Models so it could grow into what it’s become today,” said Brian Carter, CEO of the World Racing Group.

“His influences also helped the evolution of racetracks and chassis over the years. Bloomquist’s passion for the sport and innovative mind will be deeply missed by all.”

In 2020, he also won the Thunder Mountain Speedway in Pennsylvania and recently had plans to compete in next month’s World 100 at Eldora Speedway.