Renowned dirt-racing icon Scott Bloomquist tragically lost his life on Friday in a plane crash near Mooresburg in Hawkins County, Tennessee. He was 60 years old.

According to the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office, a small aircraft went down early Friday morning, colliding with a barn close to the Bloomquist family farm and the Scott Bloomquist Racing shop. Bloomquist was the only individual aboard the plane, as confirmed by the sheriff’s department. An investigation into the incident by the FAA is currently underway.

The World of Outlaws Late Models series expressed their condolences, noting that Bloomquist’s “legendary” presence and his innovation in the sport would be profoundly missed.

The local rescue squad first announced the crash via Facebook at 7:47 a.m. on Friday.

Bloomquist was celebrated as one of the top dirt super late model drivers from the late 1980s to the 2010s, achieving 33 World of Outlaws Late Model victories and 94 Lucas Oil Late Model wins, among many other prestigious accolades. He last claimed the Lucas Oil Late Model series championship title in 2016.

Numerous tributes flooded social media throughout the morning in memory of Bloomquist, from both friends and fellow racers.

“Scott Bloomquist was truly one of a kind. He was likely the most astute individual I’ve encountered in the realm of dirt racing. His skill behind the wheel was matched by his talent in crafting his racecars. He was a formidable presence both on and off the track, with a dynamic personality that complemented his remarkable achievements. His impact on dirt racing will be sorely missed,” remarked former NASCAR champion Tony Stewart on X, previously known as Twitter.