Scott Bloomquist, a renowned figure in dirt track racing, is believed to be the only victim of a crash involving a vintage single-engine plane on his family’s farm in Tennessee on Friday morning. He was 60 years old.
Kenny Wallace, a prominent NASCAR driver, referred to Bloomquist as “the greatest dirt racer to ever live” in a statement on Friday. The Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office indicated that the remains found at the crash site are thought to be Bloomquist’s, although official identification is pending from county forensic officials.
Reid Millard, the owner of Moberly Motorsports Park in Missouri, reported on Facebook that a family member confirmed the incident took place on the Bloomquist family farm in Mooresburg, Tennessee. The Hawkins County Rescue Squad was called at 7:47 a.m. regarding the crash that occurred on Brooks Road, near the Scott Bloomquist Racing premises. The plane reportedly crashed into a barn, igniting a fire. The body was recovered from the aircraft and taken for forensic investigation.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, only the pilot was aboard the Piper J3C-65 Cub at the time of the crash. This model, which first flew in 1937, was also used by the U.S. Army during World War II, as reported by the National Transportation Safety Board, which is now investigating the incident.
Bloomquist’s age was confirmed by sources including an obituary on the World of Outlaws racing website and announcements pertaining to his anticipated comeback to racing. He was inducted into the Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2002, with accolades such as multiple championships in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and World of Outlaws.
Dirt track racing has been popular since the 1920s, featuring vehicles such as open-wheel sprint cars and late model stock cars, which Bloomquist typically drove. This form of racing demands immense skill, especially in maintaining balance and traction on the challenging short tracks.
Bloomquist began his racing career in California before relocating to Tennessee to assist his family and pursue his passion for racing. NASCAR icon Tony Stewart praised Bloomquist on social media, recognizing him as an unparalleled talent in dirt racing. Wallace also expressed his sorrow over Bloomquist’s passing, stating, “It’s a very sad morning for me. He was the smartest dirt racer of all time.”
Recently, Bloomquist had planned to re-engage more actively in dirt track racing, though it remains unclear if he successfully began that return. Millard shared heartfelt sentiments about Bloomquist’s impact, extending condolences to his family and friends and wishing him eternal peace.