BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — Scott Bloomquist, a legendary dirt track racer who could often be seen at a variety of East Tennessee tracks, died on Friday after a small plane crash near his home in Hawkins County. He was 60 years old.
He left behind an inspirational legacy and a large group of fans who said they looked up to him.
"This man was more than a driver. He brought so much innovation to dirt racing through chassis, suspension, and just his driving style. His attitude, it's gonna be hard to replace something like that," said John Caddell, a longtime fan.
Fans called him a hero and an inspiration. Dirt track leaders also called him a dear friend.
"It was a huge loss for anybody who knew him, and knew dirt track racing, and knew him," said Annette Burchfield, another longtime fan.
During his career, Bloomquist took home hundreds of victories and nine national championships. He raced to become a legend in the sport, with a talent that competitors loved to hate.
"When he took the track, whether people loved him or hated him, you looked for him on the track," said Burchfield.