NTSB lists suicide as probable cause in Scott Bloomquist death, family releases statement

This past August, Dirt Late Model racing champion Scott Bloomquist died in an aircraft crash near his home in Mooresburg, Tenn. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued its report Tuesday, listing the probable cause of Bloomquist’s death as “the pilot’s intentional flight into a building as an act of suicide,” per Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports.

Bloomquist was 60. A family representative issued the following statement:

“At this time, the family of Scott Bloomquist is not making any public statements regarding the plane crash or the recent NTSB findings,” the statement read. “They are focused on supporting one another and respectfully request privacy as they navigate this difficult period. We appreciate your understanding and ask that the media refrain from further inquiries at this time.”

Bloomquist’s plane crashed into a barn next to an airstrip on his property on Aug. 16, 2024. He was the only person aboard the vintage Piper J-3 aircraft, The Federal Aviation Administration said.

Scott Bloomquist remembered as all-time dirt racer

Bloomquist was one of the greatest Dirt Late Model racers of all-time. Bloomquist, who began his career back in 1980, was a three-time Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series champion (2009, 2010, 2016). In 2004, he won his first and only World of Outlaws Late Model Series title. Bloomquist edged out Steve Francis to win the championship that season, taking nine checkered flags and tallying 26 top-five finishes in 40 starts.

With 94 victories, Bloomquist is the winningest driver in the history of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. Bloomquist found Victory Lane 33 times in World of Outlaws competition in 241 career starts. During the 90s, Bloomquist became a star in the Hav-A-Tampa Dirt Late Model Series. He won the series championship in 1994, 1995, 1998 and 2000.

Bloomquist took his place in the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2002. He competed in one NASCAR Truck Series race in 2013 and took part in three ARCA Menards Series races during his career.

He sustained several injuries throughout his career, including a leg injury from a motorcycle accident in 2019. Bloomquist suffered a foot injury prior to the 2023 Dirt Track World Championship at Eldora Speedway. Bloomquist and his father enjoyed flying vintage airplanes and own a collection which was showcased at the Road to Eldora in 2022.