Dirt racing legend Scott Bloomquist passes away in a plane crash at 60

Scott Bloomquist, a late model dirt racing icon, perished in a plane crash near his home in Mooresburg, Tennessee, according to local authorities. He was sixty years old.

The Federal Aviation Administration reports that at approximately 7:50 a.m. on Friday, a single-engine Piper J-3 aircraft crashed into a barn. The declaration was made on behalf of Bloomquist's mother, Georgie, by family friend Reid Millard, who stated that the vintage aircraft belonged to Bloomquist and crashed at his family farm.

Bloomquist's death in the Friday incident was later confirmed by Hawkins County Mayor Mark DeWitte. The event is being looked into by the National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA.

In a statement, the Hawkins County Sheriff's Office stated that the remains are "believed to be that of Scott Bloomquist," although county forensics specialists will conduct an official identification at a later time.

According to the Hawkins County Rescue Squad's statement, the aircraft struck a barn and ignited it. It stated that a body had been taken out of the airplane and given to forensics investigators.

The Federal Aviation Administration stated that there was only the pilot on board.

According to World of Outlaws, Bloomquist had a storied career that included nine national championships and more than 600 wins in various touring series since he made his debut in 1980.

“Scott Bloomquist’s legendary status not only grew out of his accomplishments on track, but his innovations throughout the dirt late model industry,” said Brian Carter, CEO of the World Racing Group.

“He 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 innovative mind will be deeply missed by all.”

The National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame inducted him in 2002. Among his other achievements are the titles of World of Outlaws champion in 2004, DIRTcar Summer Nationals champion in 1990, 1991, and 2002, and driver with the most victories in the Hav-A-Tampa and Lucas Oil Series. He was also the 2009, 2010 and 2016 winner of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.

According to the World of Outlaws obituary, Bloomquist began his career in California but later relocated to Tennessee to assist on the family farm and pursue his racing career.

On Friday, Kenny Wallace, a legend in NASCAR, referred to Bloomquist as "the greatest dirt racer to ever live."

Tony Stewart, co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing and four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, referred to Bloomquist as “one of a kind” and among the sharpest men he had ever met.

“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,” he said. “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.”