Authorities have confirmed that Scott Bloomquist, a race car driver, died in a light aircraft crash close to his Mooresburg, Hawkins County, home.
Bloomquist, who has a small private aviation strip at his Mooresburg home, reportedly crashed into a barn on his property, according to Sheriff Ronnie Lawson, who spoke with the Review.
The only person inside the aircraft was Bloomquist, one of the most accomplished dirt track stock car racers in history. A coroner was on his way.
At 7:50 a.m. on Friday, the plane crash was reported at Bloomquist’s Mooresburg residence, 209 Brooks Road.
A report of fire and black smoke at the location prompted the mobilization of numerous fire and rescue organizations. Bloomquist was operating a 1938 Piper Cub J3C-65 N21811, a small two-seater aircraft. He was pronounced dead at the site.
Lawson stated that state and federal aviation authorities, along with his detectives, were on their way.
At sixty years old, Bloomquist was possibly the most successful dirt stock car racer in history.
Records from the Federal Aviation Administration show that Bloomquist did not hold a pilot’s license, and the aircraft he was operating had not had one since 2012.
Remarkable career in racing
In 1980, Bloomquist participated in his maiden race at Corona Raceway in Corona, California.In 1982, he won the track championship in addition to multiple events.
After relocating to Mooresburg in 1983 to assist on his father’s farm, he started organizing bigger purse races within a 100-mile radius of his residence. He rose to fame in the 1980s at Kingsport Speedway, and in 1988 he shocked the racing world by taking home the World 100 championship at Eldora Speedway. In 1990, he repeated as the winner.
His honors include:
2004 Champion of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion in 2009, 2010, and 2016
Hav-A-Tampa Dirt Late Model Series Champion in 1994, 1995, 1998, and 2000
Dirt Late Model Dream Winner in 1995, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2013, 2017, and 2018.
1988–1990–2001–2014 World 100 Champion
Blue-Gray 100 Winner in 1992, 1994, 1996, and 2014
2002: Hall of Fame for National Dirt Late Models
The Scott Bloomquist Racing Facebook page published this on Friday morning:
“There’s nothing that can get you ready for today.” We must break the sad news that our wonderful buddy and hero passed away today. Scott liked each and every one of you equally because you all made noise, whether you were booing him or cheering for him. A man who loved his friends and family, a devoted father, a wonderful son, and last but not least, an incredible wheelwright.
