August 22, 2024

Scott Bloomquist’s name is etched in the halls of dirt racing history, especially in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains where his presence was felt on and off the track. Known as “Black Sunshine” and one of the most prominent racers in dirt late model history, Bloomquist’s legacy in North Georgia is particularly storied, with a string of wins across several local tracks that solidified his status as a legend in not just the region, but nationwide.

Over his long tenured career, Bloomquist claimed victories at some of the most challenging and revered tracks in North Georgia. Dixie Speedway, “The Home of Champions” in Woodstock, GA saw Bloomquist emerge victorious ten times. His mastery of Dixie’s high-banked, clay oval showcased his unique ability to dominate on a variety of surfaces and against fierce competition. Rome Speedway, known for its lightning-fast half-mile, witnessed Bloomquist take the checkered flag five times, further demonstrating his relentless drive.

While his record at other tracks may feature fewer victories, each win was significant in its own right, contributing to a narrative of a driver who could excel anywhere. At the now closed West Atlanta Speedway, also known as Seven Flags Speedway, Bloomquist captured one win, adding his name to a short list of drivers who conquered the challenging circuit. Similarly, he scored single wins at Senoia Raceway, North Georgia Speedway, Sugar Creek Raceway, Hartwell Speedway, and Lavonia Speedway. Boyd’s Speedway, straddling the Georgia-Tennessee line, saw him win twice, making his mark on yet another storied dirt track known to many in the Appalachian Mountains.

Bloomquist’s impact wasn’t just measured in wins. He was a mentor, an innovator, and an ambassador for dirt racing in the region. Known for his unconventional setups and willingness to push the envelope with car design and strategy, he influenced countless racers who saw him as the epitome of a dirt track racer, such as NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick, who was mentored by Bloomquist. His presence at local tracks drew fans from all over, filling grandstands and generating excitement that reverberated beyond the track itself.

His untimely passing sent shockwaves through the racing community, particularly in North Georgia, where he was more than just a driver – he was an icon.

The outpouring of tributes from fans, fellow racers, and track officials highlighted not just his accomplishments on the track but also the respect and admiration he garnered off such accomplishments.

Bloomquist’s death marked the end of an era, but his influence continues to shape the sport. Tracks where he competed have hosted touching tributes in his memory, such as Senoia Speedway this past Sunday with a missing man formation in his honor to start the Hunt the Front Series feature event.

In the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where dirt racing is more than a sport but a way of life, Scott Bloomquist’s legacy endures. His name remains synonymous with the grit, determination, and passion that define dirt racing. While his physical presence may be gone, his spirit lives on in the roar of engines, the thrill of competition, and the community of racers and fans who carry forward the traditions he helped to shape.

Scott Bloomquist will always be remembered not just for the races he won, but for the lasting impact he had on dirt racing in North Georgia. Black Sunshine was a true legend, whose legacy will forever be intertwined with the history of the sport in this region.

Special thanks to Mike Bell at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame and Georgia racing historian Jeff Smith for providing some of the stats included in this story.