What happened to Scott Bloomquist, the dirt late model racing legend?
Scott Bloomquist stepped back from full-time competition after a 2019 motorcycle accident left him with serious hip/pelvis injuries and lingering nerve damage in his right leg; since then, he has raced only sporadically while focusing on recovery, his chassis business, and appearances. In more detail, the injuries required surgery and led to chronic mobility and strength issues that limited his ability to maintain a national touring schedule. Through late 2024, Bloomquist continued to make occasional event appearances, test cars, and mentor drivers, but he did not mount a full-time return to top-tier series competition.
The turning point: injuries and recovery
Bloomquist’s career was fundamentally altered by a motorcycle crash in early 2019 that damaged his hip/pelvis and impacted nerves controlling his right leg. After surgery and rehab, he attempted multiple comebacks, but persistent pain and reduced leg function prevented a sustained return to the form that made him one of dirt late model racing’s most accomplished drivers.
Key developments since the 2019 accident
The following points outline the major milestones that shaped Bloomquist’s post-accident trajectory and explain how each affected his racing availability and performance.
- 2019: Motorcycle crash causes hip/pelvis injuries; surgery and extended rehab force him to miss significant time.
- 2020–2021: Returns intermittently, adapting his cockpit (including using a hand clutch) to compensate for right-leg weakness and nerve-related “foot drop.”
- 2022–2024: Continues sporadic starts, testing roles, and promotional appearances; scales back touring due to ongoing pain, mobility limits, and inconsistent stamina.
- Business focus: Pivots more of his effort to Bloomquist/Team Zero chassis development, advising and mentoring drivers rather than chasing a national points schedule.
Taken together, these steps show a shift from full-time competition to a selective, health-dependent presence at the track, with an emphasis on technical expertise and brand stewardship.
Where things stand now
As of late 2024, Bloomquist had not announced a full-season return to a national late model tour. He remained active around the sport—appearing at select marquee events, working with teams on setups and chassis development, and participating in testing when his condition allowed. He has not issued a formal retirement, but his racing has been limited by the long-term effects of the 2019 injuries.
What fans should know
For those tracking his status, the following areas summarize how Bloomquist is engaging with the sport despite reduced driving time and what that means going forward.
- Health management: Ongoing treatment and pain management guide whether he climbs back in the car for a given event.
- Selective racing: Appearances are occasional and typically tied to comfort, testing needs, or special invitations.
- Chassis and mentorship: He remains influential through Bloomquist/Team Zero chassis work, setup input, and driver coaching.
- Legacy secure: Even with limited recent race activity, his crown-jewel wins and series titles keep him a central figure in dirt late model history.
In short, Bloomquist has transitioned from a relentless national schedule to a targeted, health-first involvement, keeping a hand in competition and development without the demands of full-time touring.
Context: why his absence felt so big
Bloomquist’s reduced presence drew attention because he dominated dirt late model racing for decades, winning multiple crown-jewel events (including the World 100 and Dirt Late Model Dream) and national championships. His combination of driving talent, technical innovation, and polarizing personality made him one of the sport’s most recognizable figures; any change to his routine naturally became a headline.
Bottom line
Scott Bloomquist’s career was rerouted by a 2019 motorcycle accident that led to lasting nerve and mobility issues. Since then, he has raced only intermittently, focusing instead on health, chassis development, and mentoring—remaining visible and influential even as full-time competition has remained out of reach.
Summary
After a serious 2019 motorcycle crash and subsequent surgery, Scott Bloomquist has dealt with chronic nerve-related leg issues that curtailed his full-time dirt late model career. From 2020 through late 2024, he made sporadic starts and focused on his Bloomquist/Team Zero chassis operations, testing, and mentoring. He has not formally retired, but a full national tour comeback has not materialized, with health considerations dictating when and how he participates.
What’s going on with Scott Bloomquist?
As they navigate this difficult. Period we appreciate your understanding. And ask that the media refrain from the further inquiries at this time.” End quote scott Bloomquist.
Why did Scott Bloomquist’s airplane crash?
Bloomquist’s plane crashed into a barn next to an airstrip on his Tennessee property on August 16, 2024. Per the investigation report released on June 5, the NTSB said the probable cause of the crash was “the pilot’s intentional flight into a building as an act of suicide.”
What are the health issues with Scott Bloomquist?
According to MSN, Bloomquist was struggling with health issues that included lower-body injuries suffered in a motorcycle crash during 2019 Daytona Bike Week, a diagnosis of prostate cancer, back surgery, and a recent hospitalization due to complications from a horsefly bite that went unnoticed due to numbness from the …
What was the cause of death for Scott Bloomquist?
Death. Bloomquist died on August 16, 2024, after his personal vintage airplane crashed near his home in Mooresburg, Tennessee. He was 60. NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick, whom Bloomquist mentored early in his career, dedicated his win at Michigan International Speedway the following weekend to Bloomquist.
