Racing Legend Scott Bloomquist Likely Dead in Hawkins County Plane Crash, Sheriff’s Office says

Moorseburg, TN (WOKI / WVLT) An investigation is underway after a plane believed to be piloted by an East Tennessee racing legend crashed Thursday morning in Hawkins County.

The crash happened around 8 :00 a.m. near Brooks Road in Moorseburg.

According to the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the area, finding a plane that had crashed into a barn.

HCSO says unidentified remains found inside the plane are “believed to be [those] of Scott Bloomquist.”

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed Bloomquist was the only individual onboard the aircraft.

Bloomquist is a nationally-touring and award-winning dirt car driver whose racing headquarters are located in Moorseburg.

The nine-time national champion has had a 40-year career in dirt racing, most recently taking home the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series in 2016 and the Dream XXIV feature at Eldora Speedway in 2018.

He also competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the ARCA Mendards Series.

The Team Zero Race Car owner was inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2002.

World of Outlaws, a racing league in which Bloomquist was known to race, released a statement about his possible passing:

Scott Bloomquist’s legendary status not only grew out of his accomplishments on the track, but his innovations throughout the dirt Late Model industry.

He played a hey role with DIRTcar Racing and the World of Outlaws, helping to re-build the World of Outlaws Late Models so it could grow into what it’s become today. His influences also helped the evolution of racetracks and chassis over the years.

Bloomquist’s passion for the sport and innovative mind will be deeply missed by all. – Brian Carter, World Racing Group CEO

Officials with the sheriff’s office say the county’s forensics department will make the final identification.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash.

This is a developing story.