The name “Black Sunshine” was a fitting epithet for Scott Bloomquist, a driver who was as dark and intense on the track as he was luminous and kindhearted in the paddock. His zero race number only served to underline the stark contrast. Bloomquist, a racer known for embodying the Wild West culture of racing, has left the motorsports world in mourning after his passing. Such was his impact and charisma that his loss has resonated deeply within the racing community.

According to The Rogersville Review, Bloomquist, who owned a small private airfield, was the sole occupant of his two-seater 1938 Piper Cub J3C-65 aircraft when it tragically crashed into a barn on his property. He passed away, embodying his carefree essence until the very end. Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass took to X to share the news, writing, “Sad to hear about the death of Scott Bloomquist in a plane crash this morning. He gave people a reason to go to the race track and watch online as well as influenced the careers of racers for decades.” Rightly said by Bob that he influenced racing and also racers’ careers greatly!

The Legend that was Scott Bloomquist

Bloomquist, a 2002 Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame inductee, is revered in the world of dirt track racing. A three-time Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series champion (2009, 2010, 2016) with 94 series wins, he also captured the 2004 World of Outlaws championship, amassing 33 victories in that series. His dominance extended to the Hav-A-Tampa and Lucas Oil Series, where he holds the record for most wins. Beyond dirt tracks, Bloomquist made a single NASCAR Truck Series start in the 2013 Mudsummer Classic.

Apart from being the greatest racer of Dirt racing, his impact and contributions went beyond that as was iterated by Brian Carter, World Racing group CEO. He said, “He (Scott) 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 innovation mind will be deeply missed by all.” 

Bloomquist was known for taking dirt racing to the stage where it is today. Dirt track racing is a crucible for driving talent, drawing top competitors from all corners of motorsports, including stock car racing. These demanding ovals test drivers to the limit, requiring constant adjustments in steering, power, and weight distribution. As cars dance sideways around the track, drivers must master the delicate balance of traction and control. Because of him, the sport’s popularity greatly increased. Many of NASCAR’s greatest and currently active drivers are involved in dirt racing, which has helped them grow as drivers. Bloomquist played a significant role in making dirt racing what it is.

The most evident example has to be NASCAR Cup Series table topper Kyle Larson. Larson has four wins in the 2024 season and recently secured his sixth dirt car victory in a row at the recent Thunder Bowl race. Larson, saddened by Bloomquist’s passing, took to X to express his condolences. He wrote, “RIP Scott Bloomquist.” Another active NASCAR racer fond of dirt racing is Chase Briscoe, who has repeatedly talked about how his dirt racing experience translates into his Cup Series performance.

Reiterating this, Briscoe had said in the past, “We talk internally at SHR about the dirt races, whether I should be doing them or not doing them, and we all kind of agree that every time I ran the dirt stuff it definitely was a benefit on the Cup side.” For Briscoe, Scott Bloomquist was like an idol growing up. After getting the news of his demise, Briscoe was quick to react. He took to X, where he wrote, ” I grew up a sprint car kid but growing up I always knew who drove the green and black zero late model. Bloomer was one of a kind and the greatest of all time in a late model.”

Much like Larson and Briscoe, Christopher Bell and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. also grew up driving in dirt racing. Directly or indirectly, Scott Bloomquist paved the way for many drivers, whether through inspiration or by elevating dirt racing to the highest standards. Even Tony Stewart agrees.

NASCAR veterans on Scott Bloomquist’s contributions

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When NASCAR legend Tony Stewart says something, there remains no further doubt about it. Stewart took to X to talk about Bloomquist’s contributions to motorsports. An emotional Tony Stewart wrote, “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.”