Tragedy struck the American racing community earlier today. Dirt Super Late Model legend, Scott Bloomquist tragically lost his life in an accident. According to local authorities, the 60-year-old was killed after his plane crashed into a barn on his property. Naturally, the community was completely shaken when the news broke. Tributes poured in everywhere, and leading the group was NASCAR star, Kyle Larson.

Bloomquist was best known for being a hugely successful dirt racing driver and a multi-time champion. Away from the race track, he owned a private airstrip and was the sole occupant on the plane when it crashed. In his heyday, Bloomquist also competed in the NASCAR scene, with one Truck race and three ARCA races. During that tenure, he finished 25th at the Eldora Speedway, driving for Kyle Busch Motorsports.

Since then, he had been tearing up the dirt racing arena, winning many championships. Among them are, the World of Outlaws, Lucas Oil, Hav-A-Tampa, Dirt Late Model Dream, World 100, and the Blue-Gray 100. With so many of these wins under his belt, it is easy to say that Bloomquist was very accomplished. So much so that he even earned himself a spot on the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2002.

How did the plane accident take place?

Reports suggested that the plane crashed at around 10 minutes to eight in the morning. Naturally, fire and rescue agencies were dispatched, when concerned people reported fire and black smoke at the scene. The plane itself was a small two-seat 1938 Piper Cub J3C-65 N21811 aircraft. Following the fire and rescue teams, state and federal aviation authorities followed shortly after, for an investigation.

Apparently, those investigations threw up some interesting findings. Federal Aviation Administration records revealed that Scott Bloomquist was not a licensed pilot. Furthermore, the 1938 Piper Cub J3C-65 N21811 aircraft hadn’t been licensed since 2012. All said and done, his passing is still incredibly tragic and the dirt racing world lost a gem.

The 60-year-old had proved that the racing bug never left him. This is because he was still competing in Dirt late Model races, even in the 2024 season. However, that was after he underwent a back surgery in 2023, as he was complaining of issues, a year earlier. So when he returned to racing, he wanted to make a statement, so the venue was the Eldora Speedway. At the time, he was driving for Team Zero Chassis. Sadly, contact with Shannon Babb resulted in a crash into the backstretch wall.

Now that this legend has passed on to the next phase of existence, the racing fraternity is pouring in tribute.

Kyle Larson and other veterans pay homage to the late Scott Bloomquist

Of course, it didn’t take long for the American racing community to send in their tributes. NASCAR champion and avid dirt racer, Kyle Larson wrote, “RIP Scott Bloomquist.” Meanwhile, Clint Bowyer lamented, “Sad to hear of the passing of Scott Bloomquist. The stories are endless! You simply couldn’t fit his life into just one movie, It’ll take a series! RIP #blacksunshine #noweaklinks #18.”

Budding driver Colby Evans even recalled meeting with the legend. He wrote, “Got to meet Scott Bloomquist at the SRX race in Knoxville, was so nice and told a couple stories before he had to go to the drivers meeting Absolute ICON of the dirt racing scene and loved by everyone, RIP Legend!!!.” Racer Rico Abreu posted a heartfelt message, “Don’t ever take anything for granted. It all can be gone so fast. It’s a sad day in the racing community. Scott Bloomquist was an icon. He did what he wanted, said what he wanted, and won races. I’ll forever cherish this moment with Mr. Black Sunshine. Rest easy, Outlaw.”

Tony Stewart was another one paying tribute, “Scott Bloomquist was one of a kind, and he’s probably the smartest guy I’ve ever been around when it comes to dirt racing. What he could do behind the wheel of a racecar was matched by the ingenuity he put into building his racecars. He was a force on the track and off, with a personality as big as his list of accomplishments. He made dirt racing better with a presence that will be greatly missed.”

He also wrote, “Thinking of and praying for the family, friends and fans of Scott Bloomquist. 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. – TS.”

Finally, Donny Schatz wrote, “I hated to hear that Scott Bloomquist lost his life this morning. It’s guys like him that helped to build the sport and the World of Outlaws Late Models Series into what they’ve become today. Keeping his family, friends and fans in our prayers. RIP, Scott – DS”

All in all, Scott Bloomquist will be greatly missed.