10 Things You Never Knew About Scott Bloomquist Until His Death — #7 Will Make You Cry
The dirt racing world was shaken to its core when news broke that legendary driver Scott Bloomquist had tragically died in a plane crash. Known for his fearless driving, mysterious aura, and game-changing innovations, Bloomquist’s impact on the sport was immeasurable. But in the wake of his sudden death, stories began surfacing that revealed a side of him the public rarely saw — a man full of complexity, generosity, and quiet moments of reflection.
Here are ten things you never knew about Scott Bloomquist — and #7 will stay with you forever.
1. He Designed His First Race Car at Age 17
Long before becoming the face of dirt late model racing, Bloomquist was already showing signs of genius. At just 17 years old, he built his first race car from scratch. Without formal training or blueprints, he relied on observation, instinct, and mechanical intuition — and the car won its first race. That moment marked the birth of a racing legacy.
2. He Turned Down NASCAR Opportunities
While many racers would leap at a chance to join NASCAR, Bloomquist wasn’t interested in trading independence for corporate contracts. He received offers — more than once — but turned them down. He believed his spirit and creativity would be stifled under the constraints of big-league racing. “I’d rather dominate in dirt than disappear in asphalt,” he famously said.
3. He Had a Hidden Passion for Art
Behind his tough, outlaw exterior was a surprisingly artistic soul. Tucked away in his Tennessee home was a private studio where Bloomquist sketched with charcoal and sculpted metal in silence. Few knew about it, but those close to him said it was his sanctuary — a place where he could unwind, reflect, and express a different kind of energy.
4. He Quietly Supported Youth Programs
Despite his rebellious image, Bloomquist was known to quietly fund vocational programs for underprivileged youth. He believed deeply in second chances and helping kids learn trades, especially in automotive work. Many recipients of his donations never knew where the money came from — and he liked it that way.
5. He Fought Private Battles with Pain and Depression
Over decades in the sport, Bloomquist endured numerous physical injuries — but the emotional toll was even greater. Those closest to him knew he struggled with chronic pain and bouts of depression. He never wanted pity and rarely talked about it publicly, choosing instead to pour everything into his racing and innovation.
6. He Had Deeply Personal Pre-Race Rituals
Bloomquist approached racing with reverence. Before major events, he would rise before dawn and walk the track alone. He’d touch the turns, feel the grooves, and mentally prepare for the race ahead. It wasn’t superstition — it was communion. It was his way of connecting with the dirt that made him a legend.
7. He Gave a Championship Trophy to a Terminally Ill Fan
One of the most moving stories to surface after his death was about a young fan with terminal cancer. After winning a major race, Bloomquist made a quiet hospital visit and handed the boy his trophy. “You’ve fought harder than I ever have,” he said. The child’s family later shared that the trophy never left his side until his final day. It was one of the few moments the always-tough Bloomquist let his heart show.
8. He Revolutionized Chassis Design in Dirt Racing
Beyond his racing accolades, Bloomquist’s legacy lives on through his innovative chassis work. He reimagined how dirt late model cars were built, often producing designs that were years ahead of their time. Other teams studied his setups religiously — and still couldn’t match his performance.
9. He Wrote a Memoir But Never Released It
In recent years, Bloomquist had been working on a memoir — a raw, unfiltered look at his life behind the wheel and beyond it. Though unpublished at the time of his death, close friends and family have hinted that the manuscript may eventually be shared with fans. If released, it promises to be as bold and honest as the man himself.
10. He Requested No Funeral — Just a Bonfire
True to his rebellious spirit, Bloomquist left behind one simple request: no funeral. Instead, he asked for friends, fans, and fellow racers to gather around a bonfire at his Tennessee shop. No speeches, no formalities — just stories, laughter, music, and dirt under their boots. It was the farewell he felt he deserved.
Scott Bloomquist wasn’t just a champion on the track — he was a creator, a fighter, a rebel, and a man of surprising tenderness. His sudden death in a plane crash has left a gaping hole in the racing community, but the stories that are now emerging prove that his greatest victories may not have come behind the wheel, but in the lives he quietly touched.