The motorsports world was struck by tragedy this past Friday morning, when Scott Bloomquist, a legendary figure in Dirt Late Model racing, was killed in a plane crash near his home in Tennessee. Among those deeply affected was NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick, who considered Bloomquist a pivotal figure in his personal and professional life.
Bloomquist played a crucial role during the formative years of Reddick’s career, especially during his transition from dirt racing to NASCAR. His teachings extended beyond the racetrack, imparting crucial life lessons and racing strategies that have evidently shaped Reddick into the competitor he is today.
When Tyler Reddick was 15 years old, his family built his dirt late models in a shop owned by Scott Bloomquist, who became a mentor for Reddick. Bloomquist died Friday morning in a plane crash. Reddick said it has been a tough time but he is thankful to see all the tributes. pic.twitter.com/77IkEpFZNh
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) August 17, 2024
In an emotional discussion with Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports, Reddick expressed his profound loss, articulating the deep connection he shared with Bloomquist [above].
“It was really nice, really moving to see all the messages, stories shared, everyone in the racing industry chime in and have something to say. I myself, I just, don’t know what to say. Been thinking about it just the last 25, 26 hours now. Just still trying to process it. I was up late thinking about it, about him, thinking about our relationship last night in his honor you know, sipping some Crown Royal and just sitting there.
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“Just taking in our experiences together. So, yeah I’m still trying to process the whole thing but it was really nice, helped get me through the day to see all the messages shared on social, it was nice.”
Reflecting further on the teachings he received from Bloomquist, Reddick explained:
“I learned so much about race cars with him. Taught me a lot about being a racer, taught me a lot of things outside of racing and just in life. You know, probably, one of my favorite things about him is just he’s not afraid of confrontation.”
He went on to add:
“If you do something wrong to him or there’s a dispute or something going on, I feel like it’s easy for people in this day and age for people to back away from it. He’s never that way, something’s going on he’s going to address it and he’s not going to be shy about it. There’s so much more there but yeah, yesterday was a really tough day for motorsports.”
The loss of Scott Bloomquist has sent a shockwave through the racing community, leaving fans and professionals alike to mourn the passing of a racing giant.