Hall of Fame race car driver Scott Bloomquist dies in plane crash

Scott Bloomquist in 2018.Photo byMike Kalasnik/Flickr

Scott Bloomquist was among the most successful drivers in the history of dirt track racing. His time on the track had been limited in recent times, due to issues such as being severely injured in a motorcycle crash and undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. Tragically, Bloomquist has died in a separate incident.

Bloomquist died in an airplane crash on August 16, 2024 in Mooresburg, located in northern Tennessee. He was reportedly the only passenger on the plane. The aircraft was a variation of the Piper J-3 Cub, which apparently crashed into a barn before catching fire. An investigation into the wreck and the events surrounding it is being led by the National Transportation Safety Board with assistance from others, including the Federal Aviation Administration and Hawkins County, Tennessee officials.

Bloomquist began racing during the early 1980s. He would become best-known for competing in the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and the now-defunct Hav-A-Tampa Dirt Late Model Series.

In 2004, Bloomquist won the championship in the World of Outlaws series. He had already been inducated as a member of the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2002. That came after Bloomquist won four titles in the Hav-A-Tampa series. He would later go on to earn three Lucas Oil titles.

On four occasions each did Bloomquist win the World 100 and the Blue-Gray 100. The two races are arguably the most prestigious dirt track events in the United States. In addition, he owned Team Zero Race Cars, a chassis manufacturing business.