Racing icon Scott Bloomquist dies in plane crash at age 60

CNN
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Auto racing legend Scott Bloomquist has died in a plane crash near his home in Mooresburg, Tennessee, according to local officials. He was 60.

A single-engine Piper J-3 crashed into a hangar around 7:50 a.m. Friday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The vintage plane belonged to Bloomquist and crashed on his family’s farm, according to family friend Reed Millard, who made the announcement on behalf of Bloomquist’s mother, Georgie.

Hawkins County Sheriff Mark DeWitt later confirmed Bloomquist died in the crash Friday. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.

During his legendary career, Bloomquist has won nine national championships, and has recorded more than 600 victories in various tour series since his debut in 1980, According to World of Outlaws.

He was inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2002.

“Scott Bloomquist’s legendary status stems not only from his accomplishments on the track, but from his innovations in the late model off-road industry,” said Brian Carter, CEO of World Racing Group.

“He played a key role with DIRTcar Racing and the World of Outlaws, helping rebuild the World of Outlaws Late Models so it could grow into what it is today. His influence also helped shape the racing circuit and chassis over the years. Bloomquist’s passion for the sport and his innovative mind will be greatly missed by all.”

The racing world mourned the Hall of Famer on Friday.

Four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, Tony StewartHe described Bloomquist as “a unique person” and one of the smartest men he had ever worked with.

“Scott Bloomquist was one of a kind, and probably the smartest person I have ever met when it came to off-road racing,” he said. “What he was capable of behind the wheel of a race car was matched by the creativity he put into building his own race cars. He was a force on and off the track, and had a personality as big as his list of accomplishments. He made off-road racing better with his presence and will be greatly missed.”

Meanwhile, former NASCAR driver Clint Boyer said“So sad to hear of Scott Blomquist’s passing. The stories are endless! You can’t just fit his life into one movie, it would take a series of movies.”