Hubbry Logo
Scott BloomquistScott BloomquistMain
Open search
Scott Bloomquist
Community hub
Scott Bloomquist
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Scott Bloomquist
Scott Bloomquist
Scott Bloomquist
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Scott Dean Bloomquist (November 14, 1963 – August 16, 2024) was a nationally touring Dirt Super Late Model race car driver in the United States. Bloomquist was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa.[1] He was inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in its second class in 2002 and was the owner of Dirt Late Model chassis manufacturer Team Zero Race Cars. He was considered by most to be the greatest dirt late model driver of all time.

Key Information

Bloomquist died in a plane crash on August 16, 2024.[2]

Racing career

[edit]

Bloomquist was the son of an airplane pilot for Air Cal. While stationed in California, Bloomquist's father was invited to see his coworker race a stock car. The elder Bloomquist thought he should give racing a try, so he bought a race car, motor, and some old tires. He tried racing, and decided to give the race car to his son.[3] Bloomquist's first race was at Corona Raceway in Corona, California in August 1980.[1] He won several races and the track championship in 1982.[3]

In 1983, he heard about a $4,000-to-win race at the speedway in Chula Vista, California. He saw a picture of a flat-wedge-shaped race car that Charlie Swartz had used to win the Dirt Track World Championship in 1982 and decided to build a race car like it for the Chula Vista race. Bloomquist won the race, lapping the field twice in the process.[3]

After the race, his father wanted to sell the car since it was worth a lot of money. The two reached an agreement where the father would gradually be paid for the car if the newly graduated Scott Bloomquist would work at his father's new farm far across the country in Tennessee. He traded his 1957 Chevy for a truck and race hauler. After arriving in Tennessee, he tore up the car in qualifying at Newport Speedway. He worked for his father until he had enough money to repair the car. He won some races, earning just enough money to continue racing.[3]

The next year, he decided to race with a new car at Kingsport, Tennessee Speedway, which had begun hosting a $2,500-to-win event every Saturday night. "I come rolling into the race with my dad and there sits Larry Moore," Bloomquist said. "He was the fastest guy in dirt late model racing and there he sits. And my dad says, `Well, there goes that $2,500.'"[3] Bloomquist qualified second fastest behind Moore and started out on Moore's outside in the first row.[3]

Bloomquist used the winnings to improve his race car. He continued working on his father's farm to pay off his original race car. He began attending races with $2,000 purses that were held 100 miles (160 km) from his home.[3]

In 1988, he raced at Eldora Speedway's World 100 against the three-time winner and favorite Jeff Purvis. After qualifying for the feature, which is unusual for a rookie, he started seventh. Purvis took the lead early in the race. Bloomquist slowly caught Purvis and passed him for the win. Some people consider his win a fluke until Bloomquist took the pole position the following year and won the race again in 1990.[3]

He raced in the Hav-A-Tampa series from 1993 to 1996, winning the national touring series in 1994 and 1995.[3] He led the 1996 points until he lost all of his points for bumping another car under caution. He had 60 wins in the series during that time; second place had 18 wins.[3]

In 1997, with problems both on and off-track, he left racing and started reading. He read about the human body and mind. After the time away, he returned to racing a changed person. He took all of his sponsors off the car and used only black-and-white paint. He changed from his familiar number 18 to number 0. He put the yin yang symbol in the middle of the "0" to represent the balance that he found in his life. He later raced the number "0" car with a skull and crossbones through the middle of the number.[4]

In 2003, Scott competed full-time on the Xtreme Dirt Car Series, formerly Hav-A-Tampa Series, and won his fifth championship for the organization. In 2004, he raced in the World of Outlaws Late Model Series and won the season championship.

He was named the 2006 RPM Racing News driver of the year. That year, he won The Dream ($100,000), Topless 100 ($45,000), Scorcher 100 ($20,000), Racefest ($20,000), Dixie Shootout ($15,000), and the Cedar Lake Nationals ($50,000). He also had nine wins in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.[5]

Bloomquist's 2008 race car at Cherokee Speedway

Bloomquist returned to series racing and won the 2009 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series championship.[6]

He returned to the series in 2010 defending his points championship.[6] Bloomquist would be the series runner-up for 2011, scoring 15 victories. He also scored combined earnings north of $272,000 for the year.

In 2016, he was the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series champion.

His 2019 season was delayed after injuries sustained in a street crash. He returned to action in June 2019 with teammate Chris Madden and had limited success while recovering from those wounds.

In 2020, Scott, teaming with Chris Madden, obtained sponsorship from Drydene, followed the World of Outlaws Late Model Series.

In 2021, Bloomquist offered his ride to dirt modified standout Nick Hoffman of Mooresville, North Carolina, after lingering medical issues made it impossible for him to continue driving the Team Zero house car.

In 2022, Bloomquist drove a very limited schedule due to medical issues (specifically back problems). Scott put his 2023 racing season on hold to undergo back surgery.

In 2024, Bloomquist made his return to racing at the famed Eldora Speedway in the Terry Wolfenbarger-owned Team Zero Chassis. After contact with fellow racer Shannon Babb, Bloomquist would crash into the backstretch wall, causing unrepairable damage to the Team Zero car, and falling short of the opportunity to win his record ninth Dirt Late Model Dream.[7]

In 2002, Bloomquist was in the second induction class of the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in Union, Kentucky.[citation needed]

NASCAR

[edit]

In 2013, Bloomquist announced that he would be running in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series' Mudsummer Classic at Eldora Speedway, driving for Kyle Busch Motorsports.[8] After starting the race in 21st, Bloomquist, who elected to race without a front sway bar, fell to last place after 30 laps,[9] and finished in 25th, two laps down.[10]

Team Zero Race Cars

[edit]
Bloomquist's 2015 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series car at Oshkosh

Bloomquist was known for working on his race cars as the chief chassis builder.[1] He used to race in chassis built by major chassis manufacturers. He would then modify the chassis with tricks that he learned during his decades of racing. He decided it would be easier to build his chassis than to modify someone else's design. He sold "Bloomquist Chassis" (aka Team Zero) to select racers. Bloomquist Chassis helped in their entire program.[4] In 2014, Bloomquist went into business with Michigan racer and businessman Randy Sweet and elected to halt mass chassis production for outside buyers and focus on select chassis building and design for Sweet/Bloomquist race cars. In 2019, Bloomquist ceased the Sweet/Bloomquist chassis name and continued with his brand name while continuing to build chassis for select buyers.

Personal life

[edit]

Bloomquist had a daughter, Ariel Rouse Bloomquist.[1]

Injuries

[edit]

In March 2019, Bloomquist was severely injured in a motorcycle accident in Daytona Beach, Florida, and was hospitalized with extensive leg and hip injuries.[11]

In 2023, Bloomquist was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and previously needed back surgery procedures were put on hold for cancer treatments beginning in July.[12]

[edit]

On October 5, 1993, Bloomquist was arrested and charged for possessing 2.7 grams of cocaine. He was found not guilty of felony sale and distribution and guilty of misdemeanor drug possession and possessing drug paraphernalia. He was sentenced in November 1994 to the maximum penalty of a $5,000 fine and a year in prison.[3] It was his first misdemeanor conviction, and he filed an appeal. His sentence was cut in half to 6 months.[3] He served his time as a work release beginning in 1997.[3]

Death

[edit]

Bloomquist died on August 16, 2024, after his personal vintage airplane crashed near his home in Mooresburg, Tennessee. He was 60.[13] NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick, whom Bloomquist mentored early in his career, dedicated his win at Michigan International Speedway the following weekend to Bloomquist.[14]

In June 2025, the NTSB released a report citing that the probable cause of the plane crash was "the intentional flight into a building as an act of suicide."[15]

Motorsports career results

[edit]

NASCAR

[edit]

(key) (Bold – Pole position awarded by qualifying time. Italics – Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. * – Most laps led.)

Camping World Truck Series

[edit]
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series results
Year Team No. Make 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 NCWTC Pts Ref
2013 Kyle Busch Motorsports 51 Toyota DAY MAR CAR KAN CLT DOV TEX KEN IOW ELD
25 		POC MCH BRI MSP IOW CHI LVS TAL MAR TEX PHO HOM 69th 19 [16]

ARCA Permatex SuperCar Series

[edit]

(key) (Bold – Pole position awarded by qualifying time. Italics – Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. * – Most laps led.)

ARCA Permatex SuperCar Series results
Year Team No. Make 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 APSCSC Pts Ref
1991 Bloomquist Racing 18 Olds DAY ATL KIL TAL TOL FRS POC MCH KIL FRS DEL POC TAL HPT MCH
34 		ISF
26 		TOL DSF TWS NA - [17]
Cornett Machine 78 Olds ATL
29

Superstar Racing Experience

[edit]

(key) * – Most laps led. 1 – Heat 1 winner. 2 – Heat 2 winner.

Superstar Racing Experience results
Year No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 SRXC Pts
2021 00 STA KNX
92 		ELD IRP SLG NSV 18th 23

* Season still in progress

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Scott Bloomquist

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Scott Bloomquist (November 14, 1963 – August 16, 2024) was an American professional driver who achieved legendary status in Dirt Late Model through his exceptional skill, innovative car designs, and rebellious persona. Born in , to Ron Bloomquist, an airline pilot, and Georgie Bloomquist, he grew up immersed in motorsports before relocating to , where he established his racing base in Mooresburg. Bloomquist drove the iconic No. 0 car, often adorned with a skull-and-crossbones emblem, and owned Team Zero Race Cars, a chassis-building that revolutionized dirt equipment. Throughout his four-decade career, Bloomquist amassed over 600 feature wins, making him one of the most victorious drivers in dirt . He secured nine national championships, including five with the United Dirt Track Racing Association’s Hav-A-Tampa Dirt Touring Series (in 1994, 1995, 1998, 2000, and 2003), three with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series (in 2009, 2010, and 2016), and one with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series. His dominance extended to crown jewel events, where he won the Dirt Late Model Dream eight times at Eldora Speedway and the World 100 four times, events considered the pinnacle of the sport. Bloomquist was inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2002. Known as "Black Sunshine" or "Voodoo Child" for his long hair, distinctive style, and fan engagement, Bloomquist was celebrated for his aggressive driving and ability to excel on high-banked dirt tracks nationwide. He competed in major series like the and , often piloting his self-built Team Zero chassis, which emphasized lightweight construction and superior handling. Bloomquist's influence extended beyond the track; he mentored younger drivers and maintained a strong presence in the racing community through his official team, Scott Bloomquist Racing. Bloomquist died on August 16, 2024, at age 60, when the vintage 1938 aircraft he was piloting crashed into a on his family farm near Mooresburg, . An investigation by the later determined the crash was likely intentional, classifying it as an act of amid personal struggles. His death prompted widespread tributes from the racing world, including posthumous inductions into the Smoky Mountain Speedway Hall of Fame and Hall of Fame in September 2025, honoring him as a transformative figure whose legacy endures in dirt racing.

Early life

Birth and upbringing

Scott Bloomquist was born on November 14, 1963, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He was the son of Ron Bloomquist, a commercial airline pilot for AirCal, and Georgiana (Ryen) Bloomquist. Bloomquist had one sibling, a sister named Shelley. During his early childhood, the family relocated from to , where his father continued his aviation career. Growing up in this environment, Bloomquist was exposed to motorsports through his father's enthusiasm for , which fostered an early family connection to the sport. His parents provided a supportive backdrop for his developing interests, with Ron's involvement in activities shaping family outings and discussions around speed and competition. Bloomquist's father's piloting background served as a precursor to his own lifelong pursuit of aviation, though he never obtained a pilot's license.

Entry into motorsports

Scott Bloomquist's entry into motorsports began in August 1980 at the age of 16, when he competed in his debut race at Corona Raceway in . Growing up partly in California after his family relocated from , Bloomquist had early access to local dirt tracks that ignited his interest in . He started with high-quality equipment, including cars that were competitive from the outset, allowing him to secure several victories during his initial seasons. In the early 1980s, Bloomquist progressed rapidly from local California tracks to more established regional dirt racing circuits. He achieved his first track championship in 1982 at Corona Raceway, where he dominated the competition and won multiple feature events. That same year, he claimed another championship at Speedway 117 in Chula Vista, California, racing in late model cars and establishing himself as a promising talent on the West Coast dirt scene. Without prominent mentors documented in his formative years, Bloomquist relied on self-taught skills and family support, though initial sponsorships were limited, and he funded his efforts through personal resources and early winnings. By 1983, Bloomquist relocated to eastern to live and work on his father's farm in Mooresburg, a move that positioned him closer to prominent Southeastern dirt tracks. This shift enabled his transition to regional circuits, where he became a local standout at Kingsport Speedway, capturing the track championship in 1984. Amid modest financial constraints typical for up-and-coming drivers, he competed in stock cars bearing his signature No. 18, honing his aggressive style on ovals within a 100-mile radius of home. Entering the mid-1980s, Bloomquist advanced to more competitive dirt classes, marking his from novice to serious contender. He secured additional notable pre-1988 victories, including multiple regional features that built his reputation ahead of national exposure. These early successes, driven by his mechanical intuition and relentless drive, laid the groundwork for his ascent in the sport without relying on major backing at the time.

Racing career

Dirt late model achievements

Scott Bloomquist established himself as one of the most dominant figures in racing, amassing over 600 career victories and becoming the all-time wins leader in the discipline. His success included 94 triumphs in the Late Model Dirt Series, showcasing his consistency across national tours. Bloomquist's tactical prowess was evident in his ability to navigate high-stakes races with aggressive yet calculated maneuvers, often outmaneuvering competitors through superior track reading and setup adjustments. He secured nine national championships, highlighting his adaptability over four decades in the sport. Key titles included four UDTRA Hav-A-Tampa Dirt Touring Series championships (1994, 1995, 1998, 2000), the 2004 Series championship, and three Dirt Series crowns in 2009, 2010, and 2016. These victories came amid evolving rules on tires, chassis, and engines, where Bloomquist frequently innovated to maintain his edge. Bloomquist excelled in crown jewel events, winning the Dirt Late Model Dream eight times at , a record that underscored his mastery of the demanding . He also claimed four World 100 victories at the same venue in 1988, 1990, 2001, and 2014, along with four Blue-Gray 100 triumphs at Cherokee Speedway. Additional highlights included wins in the Gopher 50 at Deer Creek Speedway and the Firecracker 100 at Lernerville Speedway, further cementing his reputation in marquee 100-lap battles. His career featured intense rivalries, notably with Jimmy Owens, with whom he traded championships and podiums in the Lucas Oil series during the 2000s and 2010s, pushing both drivers to refine their strategies. Bloomquist's honors included induction into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2002 and the RPM Racing News Driver of the Year award in 2006, recognizing his enduring impact on the sport.

NASCAR and other series participation

Scott Bloomquist ventured into pavement racing early in his career with three starts in the ARCA Permatex SuperCar Series, driving an for his own team. His debut came at the Michigan ARCA 200 at , where he started 15th but retired after 33 of 100 laps due to engine failure, finishing 34th. At the Illinois State Fairgrounds for the Prairie State 200, he qualified 4th but completed only 12 laps before withdrawing, ending 26th. His final ARCA outing was the season-ending Fast Lube ARCA 500K at , starting 28th and retiring after an accident having completed 78 of 204 laps to finish 29th. These efforts highlighted the difficulties of transitioning from dirt late models to asphalt stock cars, as Bloomquist encountered mechanical failures and handling issues unfamiliar from his dirt background, leading him to abandon further pavement pursuits after . Bloomquist's sole NASCAR appearance occurred two decades later in the 2013 Camping World Truck Series Mudsummer Classic at , a half-mile track that aligned with his expertise. Driving the No. 51 for , he qualified 21st and ran a competitive but loose-handling race, completing all 150 laps but falling one lap down to finish 25th behind winner . This one-off opportunity arose from 's return to racing for the first time since , allowing dirt specialists like Bloomquist to showcase their skills without major adaptation challenges. In 2021, Bloomquist expanded into the inaugural (SRX) series at , a dirt oval suiting his strengths. Piloting the No. 00 car, he dominated Heat 2 for the win but started 12th in the 50-lap feature, advancing to finish 9th after a solid performance amid restarts and cautions. This event represented a low-stakes exhibition blending dirt and pavement veterans, motivated by SRX co-founder Tony Stewart's vision to unite diverse racing talents; Bloomquist's participation leveraged his dirt prowess without the need for extensive pavement preparation.

Teams and business ventures

Bloomquist Chassis origins

Scott Bloomquist began developing his expertise in chassis construction during the early stages of his , initially building custom cars for his personal use to address specific performance needs on tracks. In 1983, inspired by a photograph of Charlie Swartz's innovative flat-wedge design, Bloomquist constructed his own flat-wedge-style , which enabled him to lap the field and secure a major $4,000 victory at Chula Vista Speedway in . This early hands-on fabrication marked the origins of his technical approach, emphasizing lightweight structures and aerodynamic adjustments suited to the variable conditions of ovals. By the early , after years of racing in chassis from established manufacturers like Warrior Race Cars, Bloomquist decided to formalize his designs into a business venture, founding Bloomquist Race Cars in in with Nunnally of Brucebilt in . The company focused on producing tailored for high-level competition, incorporating Bloomquist's refinements in suspension to enhance handling and stability across diverse track surfaces, such as high-banked clay ovals and tacky, moisture-affected layouts. These tweaks, drawn from his on-track experience, allowed for quicker adaptation to changing track conditions without sacrificing durability, setting Bloomquist chassis apart in the competitive market. The business grew steadily from a small operation, initially serving a select group of elite drivers who valued Bloomquist's reputation for precision-built race cars. Early adopters included Rick Eckert, who switched to a at the start of the 2009 season, and Terry Phillips, who transitioned in the 2012 offseason, both citing the designs' competitive edge in national series events. Bloomquist himself integrated these custom chassis into his racing program, using them to achieve multiple championships and high-profile wins, which in turn bolstered the brand's credibility and expanded its customer base among top dirt competitors before the eventual rebranding to Team Zero Race Cars.

Team Zero Race Cars operations

Team Zero Race Cars, based in Mooresburg, , represented the expanded racing and manufacturing operations stemming from Bloomquist's earlier chassis-building efforts. The operation rebranded fully under the Team Zero name by the early , adopting a distinctive motif alongside the #0 car to embody its aggressive, no-compromise racing philosophy. The team structure centered on a core group of mechanics and support staff who maintained and developed the fleet of dirt race cars, with Scott Bloomquist as the primary driver in the flagship #0 entry. Beyond Bloomquist, Team Zero fielded or sponsored additional drivers, including four-time DIRTcar Summer Nationals champion Shannon Babb, who joined the team in 2020 to pilot a Team Zero chassis in national competition, and Cody Sommer, who partnered with the operation starting in 2019 before parting ways in 2022. Major sponsorships, notably from , provided essential financial and product support, enabling the team's participation in high-stakes events like the . Chassis production under Team Zero focused on custom-built dirt late models tailored for elite racers, with units distributed to competitors across national tours such as the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and DIRTcar . Following 2010, the team advanced its designs through iterative improvements, including specialized coatings for enhanced durability, as seen in a new introduced in 2019. These were produced on a selective basis for top-tier buyers, emphasizing performance innovations derived from Bloomquist's on-track experience. Despite its reputation for winning chassis, Team Zero encountered business challenges from intense competition among dirt late model manufacturers, including established brands like Rocket Chassis and Longhorn Chassis, which dominated market share through broader production and marketing. Nonetheless, the operation's integrated approach—combining racing success with targeted chassis sales—proved vital in funding and prolonging Bloomquist's career, allowing him to remain a top contender into the 2020s. Following Bloomquist's death in 2024, Team Zero Race Cars continued operations, with new chassis debuting in events like the 2024 World 100 and available for sale as of 2025.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Scott Bloomquist was married to Katrina Rouse, with whom he began a relationship in his late teens. The couple, who met around age 18, shared a long-term partnership that supported his demanding career, with Katrina often attending events at tracks such as Bulls Gap Motor Speedway. Their marriage ended in a filed in , shortly before Bloomquist's , though Katrina continued to honor his legacy through posts celebrating his achievements. In , Bloomquist began a relationship with Carla, who provided support during his health challenges. Bloomquist and Rouse had one daughter, Ariel Rouse Bloomquist, who was a college student at at the time of his passing. Ariel maintained a close bond with her father, frequently appearing with him at racing events and later sharing personal stories about growing up in the shadow of his fame during public tributes. Following his death, she became actively involved in the racing community, accepting awards on his behalf—such as the 2025 Hoosier Hero Legend honor from —and expressing her commitment to preserving the family business, Bloomquist Chassis, to continue his innovative contributions to dirt late model racing. Bloomquist was also survived by his sister, Shelley Bloomquist, and his parents, Ron and Georgie Bloomquist, whose early support for his racing ambitions influenced his lifelong dedication to the sport and family priorities. The family demonstrated their commitment to community and racing heritage through efforts to sustain Bloomquist's business ventures and participate in memorial events that celebrated his impact on dirt track racing.

Health issues and injuries

Scott Bloomquist sustained significant injuries in a motorcycle accident on March 13, 2019, in , which severely impacted his lower body and sidelined him from for an extended period. The crash resulted in a broken , fractured kneecap, and damage to his right and , requiring hospitalization and intensive without an immediate timetable for return. Bloomquist underwent rehabilitation focused on regaining mobility, but the injuries left lingering effects, including numbness in his right foot and , and contributed to a decompressed L5 disk in his back. Throughout his career, Bloomquist experienced several racing-related injuries that led to breaks in competition. In June 2018, he planned rotator cuff surgery following an injury sustained at Eldora Speedway, which kept him out of action for several months during the latter part of that season. Prior to the 2024 racing season, he underwent shoulder surgery to address ongoing issues, further delaying his full return to the track. Additionally, in a June 2024 rollover crash at Eldora Speedway during the Dirt Late Model Dream, Bloomquist reported pain in his right elbow, left knee, and lower back but avoided major trauma, allowing him to continue competing with managed discomfort. In July 2024, shortly after the Eldora incident, Bloomquist was hospitalized due to a horsefly bite that severed an artery in his leg, causing significant bleeding; his girlfriend Carla called an ambulance, aiding his recovery. In June 2023, Bloomquist was diagnosed with early-stage during a routine checkup, prompting a shift in his medical priorities. He underwent removal on July 5, 2023, which postponed previously scheduled back procedures. The treatment regimen, including recovery from , limited his 2023 racing schedule, with his first Late Model Dirt Series start occurring in October after several months of rehabilitation. Bloomquist's cumulative health challenges, particularly the 2019 accident's long-term effects and the 2023 cancer diagnosis, influenced his late-career decisions by necessitating a more selective calendar and emphasis on to maintain competitiveness. He managed these issues through ongoing medical interventions and family support, which provided emotional backing during recovery periods. Despite these setbacks, Bloomquist expressed determination to continue racing on a part-time basis, prioritizing health while pursuing key events. In 1993, Bloomquist faced significant legal challenges stemming from drug-related charges in . On , he was arrested for possession of 2.7 grams of after authorities discovered the substance on his property, along with allegations of sale and distribution. Although acquitted of the sale and distribution counts—marking the only successful defense in history at the time—Bloomquist was convicted of misdemeanor possession and . He received a one-year sentence and a $5,000 fine, which was reduced to six months on appeal, and served approximately six weeks through a work-release program that allowed him to continue on weekends. A decade later, in July 2003, Bloomquist encountered another drug-related while traveling for a race in . Stopped by Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's deputies, he failed field sobriety tests, leading to charges of operating while intoxicated and possession of a small amount of found during a search. Unlike the 1993 case, no jail time was served, and the charges did not result in a on record, allowing him to resume his schedule promptly. This incident, tied to the demands of his peripatetic , highlighted ongoing personal struggles but had minimal long-term disruption. In 2013, Bloomquist came under investigation by the Hawkins County Sheriff's Office following accusations from Matthew Simmonds, a 26-year-old employee at his Mooresburg race shop. Simmonds alleged that on May 28, Bloomquist had threatened to shoot or drown him during a confrontation at the facility, prompting a police report. No formal charges were filed, and the matter did not proceed to trial, effectively resolving without conviction. This episode, occurring amid tensions in his business operations, drew brief media attention but did not impact his active participation. These legal encounters, particularly the 1993 conviction, fueled persistent rumors within the racing community and contributed to Bloomquist's as a rebellious figure, often amplifying his larger-than-life persona in media coverage. Despite the setbacks, they did not derail his career trajectory, as he returned to dominance on the dirt circuit shortly after each resolution, with the incidents occasionally referenced in profiles as part of his resilient narrative.

Death

Plane crash circumstances

On August 16, 2024, legend Scott Bloomquist, aged 60, perished in a single-engine plane crash on his family farm near Mooresburg, . The incident occurred shortly after 7:15 a.m. local time, when the aircraft struck a barn on the property, igniting a fire that emergency responders quickly addressed. Bloomquist was the sole occupant and pilot, and he was pronounced dead at the scene; his remains were transported to the Hawkins County Medical Examiner's Office for identification. The aircraft involved was a vintage Piper J3C-65 Cub, a 1930s-era taildragger model originally used for training during , which Bloomquist had learned to fly under his father's guidance starting at age 16. According to preliminary reports, the plane had departed from a private airstrip on the Bloomquist property, circled or overflew the area, and then collided with the adjacent barn structure. No public eyewitness accounts of the flight path or impact have been detailed in initial reports, though the crash was reported to the Hawkins County Rescue Squad at approximately 7:47 a.m., prompting a swift response from local authorities. Leading up to the crash, Bloomquist had curtailed his schedule due to persistent challenges, including diagnosed in recent years, lingering effects from a 2019 that caused lower-body injuries, and a foot issue that sidelined him before the 2023 season. His most recent competition was on August 3, 2024, at the USA Nationals event at Cedar Lake Speedway in , marking a limited return after back surgery in 2023. These struggles, compounded by a recent hospitalization from an unnoticed horsefly bite, had contributed to his reduced activity in the months prior. Initial media coverage on the day of the crash focused on the sudden loss of a icon, with outlets like and local stations reporting the accident as a tragic mishap on without immediate speculation on causes. Bloomquist's mother, Georgie Bloomquist, confirmed his death to close friend and fellow racer Reid Millard, who relayed the news to the community; the family described themselves as "devastated" in early statements shared through associates.

Official investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its final report on the August 16, 2024, plane crash involving Scott Bloomquist on June 10, 2025. The report concluded that the probable cause was the pilot's intentional flight into a barn on his family's property in Mooresburg, Tennessee, as an act of suicide. Investigators reviewed multiple lines of evidence to support this finding, including an autopsy conducted by the William L. Jenkins Forensic Center in Johnson City, Tennessee. The autopsy determined the cause of death to be blunt force injuries, with the manner of death classified as suicide. Aircraft maintenance records were examined and revealed no mechanical malfunctions or deficiencies that could have contributed to the incident; the 1938 Piper J3C-65 Cub had been recently serviced and was deemed airworthy. As a vintage light aircraft operating under Part 91 general aviation rules for personal use, it lacked a flight data recorder or cockpit voice recorder, so the analysis relied on witness observations of the aircraft's low-altitude maneuvers, including an intentional overflight of the property before impact, along with crash site forensics indicating a controlled descent. Mental health indicators, including the deliberate nature of the flight path, were factored into the suicide determination, though specific personal history details were not publicly detailed in the report. A report was performed as part of the investigation, screening for impairing substances, but no of alcohol, drugs, or medications that could have influenced pilot performance was identified as a contributing factor. The official classification categorized the event as a (CFIT) resulting from personnel-related issues, specifically pilot . While the NTSB did not issue targeted recommendations, the case has prompted discussions on enhancing resources and screening protocols for private pilots to prevent similar incidents in non-commercial .

Career results and legacy

Major championships and wins

Scott Bloomquist amassed over 600 feature wins throughout his career, establishing him as one of the most prolific drivers in dirt late model racing history. He secured nine national championships across various series, including the 1994, 1995, 1998, and 2000 Hav-A-Tampa Dirt Late Model Series titles; the 2002 UMP Summernationals; the 2003 Xtreme Dirtcar Series; the 2004 World of Outlaws Late Model Series; and the 2009, 2010, and 2016 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series championships. Bloomquist also claimed 33 World of Outlaws feature wins, with his first coming in 1989 at Superior Speedway. His accolades extended to prestigious honors, including induction into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2002, recognizing his dominance and contributions to the sport. In 2025, he received a posthumous induction into the Smoky Mountain Speedway Hall of Fame during the Topless Outlaw Dirt Car Series event. Bloomquist's influence on dirt racing was profound, marked by innovative chassis designs through his Team Zero Race Cars and a driving style that emphasized precision and adaptability, earning him the moniker "The Black Sunshine." He mentored emerging talents, including NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick, who credited Bloomquist's guidance for shaping his career. Widely regarded as the greatest dirt late model driver of all time, his legacy reshaped competitive strategies and inspired generations in the industry. Following his death in 2024, tributes poured in from the racing community, including a Celebration of Life at on September 7, 2024, which featured parade laps in his name during the 54th World 100, and another at Volunteer Speedway on September 19. Honors continued into 2025, with the FloRacing Night in America series dedicating a memorial event on September 11. These events featured reflections from peers and fans, underscoring his enduring impact on dirt track culture.

Series-specific statistics

Scott Bloomquist amassed an impressive record across major dirt series, highlighted by his dominance in the Dirt Series where he holds the all-time wins record with 94 victories. His performance data underscores consistent excellence, particularly in championship seasons, with high completion rates and frequent podium finishes. These statistics reflect his strategic style, emphasizing reliability and speed on diverse track conditions. In the Dirt Series, Bloomquist's championships came in 2009, 2010, and 2016, during which he demonstrated superior consistency. The following table summarizes his key metrics from those title-winning years:
YearStartsWinsTop 5sTop 10sPolesPointsStanding
2009361223066,9051st
201037926345N/A1st
2016451531368N/A1st
His 94 wins spanned events at tracks like and Volunteer Speedway, often in high-stakes races such as the Dirt Late Model Dream, where he triumphed eight times. Bloomquist also excelled in the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, securing 33 feature wins overall and the championship with a commanding performance. In that title year, he competed in 40 of 41 events, leading the points battle through consistent top finishes. Key stats from include:
YearStartsWinsTop 5sTop 10sPointsStanding
200440926345,3511st
His WoO victories ranged from short tracks like Superior Speedway to larger venues, showcasing adaptability in sprint-style formats. Bloomquist ventured into pavement racing with select starts in , ARCA, and SRX series, adapting his dirt expertise to asphalt and mixed surfaces. In the 2013 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, he made a single appearance at (a dirt track event), starting 21st and finishing 25th after 151 laps with no laps led. Earlier, in the 1991 ARCA Racing Series, he entered three races: the Michigan ARCA 200 (18th finish), Motorcraft Fast Lube ARCA 500K at Atlanta (mechanical DNF), and another event with no top-10 results. In the debut at , Bloomquist won Heat 2 but placed 9th in the 50-lap main event, running the full distance without incident. These outings totaled zero wins but highlighted his crossover versatility. Across dirt series like and , Bloomquist's aggregated career stats emphasize endurance. These figures, drawn from series records, illustrate his reliability in grueling schedules.

References

  1. https://www.millardfamilychapels.com/obituaries/Scott-Dean-Bloomquist
  2. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/23/sports/autoracing/scott-bloomquist-dead.html
  3. https://www.performanceracing.com/magazine/industry-news/08-16-2024/legendary-dirt-late-model-racer-scott-bloomquist-60
  4. https://www.scottbloomquist.com/history/
  5. https://www.dirtondirt.com/story_4944.html
  6. https://worldofoutlaws.com/latemodels/remembering-scott-bloomquist
  7. http://worldofoutlaws.com/drivers/?driver=Scott-Bloomquist
  8. https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2025-06-11/scott-bloomquist-plane-crash-dirt-track-racer
  9. https://sports.yahoo.com/dirt-track-racer-scott-bloomquist-222328127.html
  10. https://www.facebook.com/SmokyMtnSpeed/posts/1209220491238684/
  11. https://www.millardfamilychapels.com/obituaries/Scott-Dean-Bloomquist?obId=32790496
  12. https://americana-uk.com/the-number-one-man-from-tennessee
  13. https://mabumbe.com/people/scott-bloomquist-age-net-worth-career-highlights/
  14. https://www.eonline.com/news/1406213/racing-icon-scott-bloomquist-dead-at-60-after-plane-crash
  15. https://www.espn.com/racing/story/_/id/40885789/iconic-dirt-track-racer-scott-bloomquist-dies-plane-crash
  16. https://www.dirtondirt.com/story_13380.html
  17. https://www.therogersvillereview.com/community/education/article_c0b9717c-7856-11ef-896c-b78876ea2fd4.html
  18. http://www.autoracingrecords.com/races.php?rid=061035
  19. https://www.legacy.com/news/celebrity-deaths/scott-bloomquist-1963-2024-hall-of-fame-dirt-track-racer/
  20. https://www.autoweek.com/racing/more-racing/a61898590/dirt-late-model-all-time-great-scott-bloomquist-dies/
  21. https://sports.yahoo.com/racing-expert-longtime-friend-bloomquist-135143755.html
  22. https://www.lucasdirt.com/press/2016/article/98706
  23. https://www.floracing.com/articles/12785765-dirt-late-model-foes-remember-scott-bloomquist
  24. https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a61897328/scott-bloomquist-dirt-track-hall-of-fame-member-dies-in-plane-crash/
  25. https://www.floracing.com/articles/12785765/dirt-late-model-foes-remember-scott-bloomquist
  26. https://www.thethirdturn.com/wiki/1991_Motorcraft_Fast_Lube_ARCA_500K
  27. https://raceface.tv/flashback-bloomquists-lone-truck-series-start/
  28. https://www.driveraverages.com/nascar_truckseries/driveryear.php?drv_id=4111&yr_id=2013
  29. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2013/07/17/bloomquist-leads-list-of-dirt-aces-at-eldora/
  30. https://racingnews.co/2021/06/19/srx-race-results-june-19-2021-knoxville-raceway/
  31. https://racer.com/2021/05/19/speed-biffle-bloomquist-to-make-srx-starts
  32. https://www.dirtondirt.com/story_5385.html
  33. https://www.floracing.com/articles/12804107-tales-episodes-anecdotes-and-memories-of-scott-bloomquist
  34. https://www.gottarace.com/collections/scott-bloomquist-online/decals
  35. https://racingnews.co/2020/04/09/shannon-babb-to-team-zero-race-cars/
  36. https://www.scottbloomquist.com/2021/09/30/sommer-bloomquist-part-ways/
  37. https://www.lucasdirt.com/press/2010/article/99596
  38. https://dirtcar.com/divisions/late-models/four-time-summer-nationals-champ-babb-aligns-with-team-zero-bloomquist/
  39. https://www.facebook.com/ScottBloomquistRacing/posts/scott-bloomquist-racing-has-a-brand-new-team-zero-race-cars-chassis-and-we-are-e/745821765891662/
  40. https://www.hotcars.com/scott-bloomquists-team-zero-dirt-car-could-be-yours/
  41. https://www.distractify.com/p/scott-bloomquist-wife
  42. https://www.the-sun.com/sport/12215241/scott-bloomquist-death-plane-crash-60-personal-issues/
  43. https://www.facebook.com/RACERNetwork/posts/when-they-announced-scott-bloomquist-everybody-would-boo-ariel-bloomquist-shares/1130524229118273/
  44. https://www.scottbloomquist.com/2019/03/27/scott-bloomquist-hospitalized-after-motorcycle-crash-2/
  45. https://www.dirtondirt.com/dirtwire.php?id=5437
  46. https://www.autoweek.com/racing/more-racing/a1718651/dirt-late-model-ace-scott-bloomquist-hospitalized-after-motorcycle-crash/
  47. https://www.floracing.com/articles/11420824-were-far-from-done-scott-bloomquist-predicts-his-comeback
  48. https://racingnews.co/2018/06/24/scott-bloomquist-is-expected-to-undergo-shoulder-surgery-pulls-himself-from-seat/
  49. https://www.racingjunk.com/news/scott-bloomquist-dirt-racing-legend-1963-2024/
  50. https://www.floracing.com/articles/12627107-breaking-down-scott-bloomquists-flip-and-the-aftermath-at-eldora-speedway
  51. https://www.floracing.com/articles/12733739-scott-bloomquists-bizarre-experience-with-a-horsefly-bite
  52. https://www.floracing.com/articles/11069820-scott-bloomquist-diagnosed-with-prostate-cancer
  53. https://www.survivornet.com/articles/prayers-for-tennessee-race-car-driver-scott-bloomquist-59-as-he-prepares-for-prostate-cancer-surgery-understanding-your-surgical-options/
  54. https://racingnews.co/2023/10/20/scott-bloomquist-returns-to-racing-this-weekend/
  55. https://www.floracing.com/articles/10470307-facing-surgery-future-uncertain-for-scott-bloomquist
  56. https://www.floracing.com/articles/11620172-shoulder-surgery-put-on-hold-as-scott-bloomquist-plots-2024-plans
  57. https://racingnews.co/2022/11/13/scott-bloomquist-details-drug-charges/
  58. https://www.hagerty.com/media/motorsports/dirt-track-legend-scott-bloomquist-died-as-he-lived-full-throttle/
  59. https://www.trackforum.org/forum/motorsports/dannyb-s-dirt-circle-tracking/30410-scott-bloomquist-arrested
  60. https://www.timesnews.net/news/local-news/racer-bloomquist-accused-of-threats-against-employee/article_6a7b3824-48c1-5baa-9eea-cc66e82e17db.html
  61. https://www.dirttrackdigest.com/DTD/index.php?/topic/47669-bloomquist-in-trouble-with-the-law/
  62. https://www.newsweek.com/sports/racing/dirt-racing-icon-scott-bloomquist-killed-plane-crash-aged-60-1940397
  63. https://avweb.com/flight-safety/scott-bloomquist-dies-cub-crash/
  64. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/dirt-track-hall-fame-driver-scott-bloomquist-believed-dead-plane-crash-rcna166977
  65. https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/411344
  66. https://www.nbcsports.com/motor-sports/news/scott-bloomquist-plane-crash-ruled-intentional-suicide-ntsb-report-concluded
  67. https://www.floracing.com/articles/14278755-ntsb-issues-report-calls-scott-bloomquist-plane-crash-intentional
  68. https://www.wsmv.com/2025/06/12/ntsb-determines-legendary-dirt-track-race-driver-scott-bloomquists-plane-crash-an-act-suicide/
  69. https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=194939
  70. https://www.wtrf.com/news/ntsb-rules-race-car-driver-scott-bloomquists-plane-crash-a-suicide-how-to-look-out-for-the-warning-signs/
  71. https://www.floracing.com/articles/12785730-no-driver-said-it-quite-like-scott-bloomquist
  72. https://worldofoutlaws.com/latemodels/historical-stats-late-models/feature-wins-list/
  73. https://www.facebook.com/SmokyMtnSpeed/posts/a-reminder-that-scott-bloomquist-will-be-inducted-into-the-hall-of-fame-on-satur/1203742928453107/
  74. https://www.facebook.com/customworksrcproducts/posts/scott-bloomquist-was-a-legend-in-dirt-latemodel-racing-his-innovation-and-skills/1004182658175348/
  75. https://racingnews.co/2024/08/16/scott-bloomquist-has-passed/
  76. https://www.facebook.com/groups/470395264442262/posts/1062625888552527/
  77. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=af7cxQ4qB4A
  78. https://www.facebook.com/ScottBloomquistRacing/posts/celebrating-the-life-of-scott-dean-bloomquistnovember-14th-1963-august-16th-2024/1126667985556422/
  79. http://volunteerspeedway.com/2024/09/10/scott-bloomquist-celebration-of-life-scheduled-thursday-sept-19-at-volunteer-speedway/
  80. https://www.facebook.com/dirtbehindthescenes/videos/54th-world-100-parade-laps-honoring-scott-bloomquist/1270384167669013/
  81. https://www.floracing.com/articles/14527496-scott-bloomquist-memorial-up-next-for-floracing-night-in-america
  82. https://www.floracing.com/collections/12785480-remembering-scott-bloomquist
  83. https://www.thethirdturn.com/wiki/Scott_Bloomquist
  84. https://www.stlracing.com/community/index.php?threads/lucas-oil-late-model-dirt-series-to-conclude-2009-season-this-weekend-at-talladega-dixie-and-rome.138247/
  85. https://www.thethirdturn.com/wiki/Lucas_Oil_Late_Model_Dirt_Series_Central/All-Time_Wins_List
  86. https://www.thethirdturn.com/wiki/2004_World_of_Outlaws_Late_Model_Series_Central
  87. https://www.cbssports.com/motor-sports/news/superstar-racing-experience-at-knoxville-results-tony-stewart-takes-the-checkered-flag-for-his-first-srx-win/live/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.