NASCAR drivers react to death of dirt track icon Scott Bloomquist in plane crash

The racing community has come together to remember and honor the legacy of Dirt Late Model racing champion and Hall of Famer Scott Bloomquist, who tragically died in an aircraft crash near his home in Mooresburg, Tennessee, Friday morning.

Tony Stewart, the NASCAR Hall of Famer and dirt track racing legend, called Bloomquist an “innovator, fierce competitor and all-around badass” in his X post.

“Thinking of and praying for the family, friends and fans of Scott Bloomquist -@SBR_TeamZero,” Stewart wrote. “Innovator, fierce competitor & all-around badass don’t begin to touch what he meant to the sport. Godspeed, Scott… & thank you for everything you brought to dirt racing.”

Kyle Larson, another NASCAR star with a decorated career on dirt, mentioned Bloomquist’s passing on X.

“RIP Scott Bloomquist,” Larson posted.

FOX Sports analyst Clint Bowyer offered his thoughts on Bloomquist’s death, saying “you simply couldn’t fit his life into just one movie.”

“Sad to hear of the passing of Scott Bloomquist,” Bowyer wrote. “The stories are endless! You simply couldn’t fit his life into just one movie, it’ll take a series! RIP #blacksunshine #noweaklinks #18.”

Scott Bloomquist’s career stands out as arguably the best on dirt

Bloomquist is one of the greatest Dirt Late Model racers of all-time. Bloomquist, who began his career back in 1980, was a three-time Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series champion (2009, 2010, 2016). In 2004, he won his first and only World of Outlaws Late Model Series title. Bloomquist edged out Steve Francis to win the championship that season, taking nine checkered flags and tallying 26 top-five finishes in 40 starts.

RIP Scott Bloomquist 🙏 pic.twitter.com/0lP9XAAz4y

— World of Outlaws Late Models (@WoOLateModels) August 16, 2024

“Scott Bloomquist’s legendary status not only grew out of his accomplishments on track, but his innovations throughout the dirt Late Model industry,” said Brian Carter, World Racing Group CEO. “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. 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.”

With 94 victories, Bloomquist is the winningest driver in the history of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. Bloomquist found Victory Lane 33 times in World of Outlaws competition in 241 career starts. During the 90s, Bloomquist became a star in the Hav-A-Tampa Dirt Late Model Series. He won the series championship in 1994, 1995, 1998 and 2000. Bloomquist took his place in the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2002. He competed in one NASCAR Truck Series race in 2013 and took part in three ARCA Menards Series races during his career.