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NASCAR drivers pay touching tribute to dirt racing icon Scott Bloomquist after tragic death

The motorsports world is mourning the loss of Scott Bloomquist, a revered Dirt Late Model racing champion and Hall of Famer who was killed in a tragic plane crash near his home in Mooresburg, Tennessee on Friday morning. The horrific incident sparked an outpouring of heartfelt condolences from the racing community.

Tony Stewart, fellow NASCAR Hall of Fame member and dirt track racing legend, commented on Bloomquist's groundbreaking contributions to the sport. In his eulogy, Stewart expressed his condolences, saying:

“Thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and fans of Scott Bloomquist -@SBR_TeamZero. Innovator, fierce competitor and all around badass – nothing comes close to comparing to what he meant to the sport. Good luck Scott… and thanks for everything you contributed to dirt racing. – TSR”

Semi-retired driver and NASCAR commentator Clint Bowyer also posted:

“It's sad to hear of Scott Bloomquist's death. The stories are endless! You just can't put his life into just one film. It would take a whole series! RIP”

Kyle Larson, a NASCAR star with roots in dirt racing, succinctly addressed the loss with a poignant message: “RIP Scott Bloomquist.”

Dirt track racer Brian Brown also shared:

“Of all the superstars I had the privilege of racing with this weekend, I had never met Scott Bloomquist before the 2021 @SRXracing race in Knoxville. I was the most nervous about meeting Scott. I had always looked up to him from afar. I thought he was a racer who was all about business and didn't care about other racers at all.

“Let alone a sprint guy with wings. Man, I couldn't have been more wrong. I was lucky enough to meet a down to earth racer who was unique just like the rest of us and had a big heart. We formed a friendship that weekend that led to many text exchanges since I saw Scott at the World Finals that weekend last year.

“We spoke like lifelong friends. Moral of the story: never judge a book by its cover. Say what you want about Scott. But he did it HIS way and that is very admirable. Rest in peace my friend. I can't wait to see us again someday.”

Bloomquist's career was nothing short of legendary. Among numerous other accolades, he won the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series championship three times and the World of Outlaws Late Model Series title in 2004. Bloomquist was the all-time winner in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, amassing an astonishing 94 victories. His prowess on the track led to his induction into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2002. In addition to these competitions, Bloomquist also competed in NASCAR and ARCA series.

Scott Bloomquist
Scott Bloomquist, driver of the No. 51 ToyotaCare Toyota, prepares for practice for the inaugural NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Mudsummer Classic on July 24, 2013 at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. The motorsports world is…


Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Brian Carter, CEO of the World Racing Group, delivered a poignant message, writing:

“Scott Bloomquist's legendary status was not only based on his success on the racetrack, but also on his innovations throughout the dirt late model industry. He played a key role in DIRTcar Racing and the World of Outlaws, helping to rebuild the World of Outlaws Late Models to become what it is today. His influence has also helped develop race tracks and chassis over the years. Bloomquist's passion for the sport and innovative spirit will be greatly missed by all of us.”

The passing of Scott Bloomquist is a great loss to the motorsports community, and his legacy will undoubtedly impact future generations of racers and fans.