‘We are devastated:’ Racing world reacts to death of Scott Bloomquist.
Members of the racing world have expressed their condolences and shared memories honoring racing legend Scott Bloomquist.
Award-winning dirt track race car driver and hall of famer Bloomquist died during a plane crash on Friday in Mooresburg, Tennessee.
Retired NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart, who owns the renowned Eldora Speedway dirt track in Ohio, said Bloomquist was “one of a kind” and “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,” Stewart said in a statement. “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.”
Dirt Late Model and stock car racing driver Bobby Pierce said Bloomquist was one of his heroes.
“RIP Scott,” a post from Pierce reads. “Arguably the greatest Dirt Late Model driver ever and one of my heroes. Scott was also very good friends with the Family. He will be truly missed. There will never be another like him. Thoughts and prayers to all his loved ones. Fly high.”
Bristol Motor Speedway President and General Manager Jerry Caldwell called Bloomquist a friend of the speedway.
“This is really a sad day for the world of motorsports as we mourn the passing of Scott Bloomquist, arguably the greatest dirt late model racer in the sport’s history,” Caldwell said in a statement. “Scott was truly a champion, legend and hall of fame member in his craft and was a wonderful friend of Bristol Motor Speedway. He won one of the late model dirt races held here in 2001 and was always willing to help us promote our dirt races. We send our sincere condolences to his family and friends, as well as his legion of fans across the nation.”
The National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame said losing Bloomquist is a blow to the community.
“We are devastated to report that one of the most charismatic and immensely talented to ever drive a Dirt Late Model tragically lost his life today in a small airplane crash at the family property in Mooresburg, TN,” the museum said in a post. “Scott Bloomquist was 60. Our deepest condolences to Scott’s family Ron, Georgie and Ariel; his loyal friends and all of his adoring fans. This is a tough one for all of us. God Speed.”
Dirt Late Model driver Reid Millard offered his condolences to Bloomquist’s family during this time.
“Scott Bloomquist was a great friend of mine along with a lot of people in the Dirt Late Model Model and racing community,” the post reads. “God’s speed Scott. May you fly high on an Eagle’s wing forever.”
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a single-engine Piper J3 crashed into a barn near Mooresburg around 7:50 a.m. Bloomquist was the only occupant of the plane.
