Tyler Reddick dedicates FireKeepers Casino 400 win to late mentor Scott Bloomquist

Following his overtime win at Michigan, Tyler Reddick dedicated the victory to his late mentor, Scott Bloomquist. The dirt Late Model legend played an integral role in Reddick’s career before NASCAR.

There was a time when Tyler Reddick and his family were preparing their cars in a shop owned by Scott Bloomquist. Now that the racing icon is gone after a plane crash on Friday, there is a huge hole in the world of motorsports.

An emotional win for sure. Reddick took time to remember his mentor and friend.

“I can’t help but sit here in Victory Lane and think of Scott Bloomquist, man,” Reddick said on TV. “Huge mentor to me and an incredible role model and legend of dirt racing and motorsport. So, the last couple days have been tough and this really helps it. So this win should go for him and his family his friends and all that meant a lot to him.”

"I can't help but sit here in victory lane and think of Scott Bloomquist."

Tyler Reddick pays tribute to the racing legend who died in a plane crash last week. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/7qKeHgM7T5

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) August 19, 2024

A long weekend and an emotional victory for Tyler Reddick. Two more races left in the regular season and he just took control of the championship battle.

This is the second win of the season for Reddick and the 45 team. They, admittedly, have given a couple of races away. Nashville, Chicago are two that come to the top of my mind when thinking about it.

Today, Reddick was steady and when he took control of the race, he didn’t let it go. For all of the issues he has had closing out races, this was an excellent example of a racer knowing exactly what he has to do in order to get the job done.

Scott Bloomquist would be proud.

Tyler Reddick closes out FireKeepers Casino 400 strong

This race had about everything. Rain delay, postponed, Monday racing, a big wreck, and even a blowover! Corey LaJoie flipped during this race, and he was released from the care center with no issues, thankfully.

As the pit strategies played out, it appeared to be a battle between Chase Elliott and William Byron. Then, things slowly started to change. Tyler Reddick made his final pit stop and was able to put himself out in front of the leaders.

Reddick was able to pull himself ahead by three seconds. His car was on fire late, and no literally, it was just fast as hell. There appeared to be no stopping him, and then the caution fell for the final time.

Martin Truex Jr. hit the wall and that meant we had to have one final restart. Despite a strong launch and a good effort, Byron was unable to stop Tyler Reddick. It was a close finish, but one that Reddick had complete control of as he came to the finish line.