Dirt track racing fans were left stunned last week after legendary driver Scott Bloomquist died in a freak accident. 

According to the Associated Press, friends and family revealed that the 60-year-old passed away on Friday following a plane crash on his family's farm in Mooresburg, Tennessee.

Federal authorities have begun an investigation

The Hawkins County Sheriff's Office stated that Bloomquist was flying a Piper J3C-65 when he crashed into a barn. He was the sole individual onboard.

The National Transportation Safety Board announced that it is conducting an investigation in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Jerry Caldwell serves as president and manager of Tennessee's Bristol Motor Speedway, and he was quoted as saying that Bloomquist was "arguably the greatest dirt late model racer in the sport's history."

"The world has lost a great racer, a great friend, a great dad," the racing executive lamented. "And heaven has gained a great angel."

Tributes to Bloomquist were quick to appear on social media, including from three-time NASCAR Cup champion Tony Stewart.

Driver fondly remembered for being "a force on the track and off"

"Scott Bloomquist was one of a kind, and he’s probably the smartest guy I’ve ever been around when it comes to dirt racing," Stewart wrote.

Scott Bloomquist was one of a kind, and he’s probably the smartest guy I’ve ever been around when it comes to dirt racing. What he could do behind the wheel of a racecar was matched by the ingenuity he put into building his racecars. He was a force on the track and off, with a… pic.twitter.com/97MLFLCksI

— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) August 16, 2024

"What he could do behind the wheel of a race car was matched by the ingenuity he put into building his race cars," the champion driver asserted.

"He was a force on the track and off, with a personality as big as his list of accomplishments," Stewart went on to declare, adding, "He made dirt racing better with a presence that will be greatly missed."

Thoughts and prayers offered to Bloomquist's family

The Associated Press noted that fellow race car driver and a funeral home director Reid Millard said he was asked by Bloomquist's mother to address her son's death.

"Along with Scott's daughter Ariel, his parents, his sister, and along with all of you who knew and loved Scott - you are in our hearts and prayers," he wrote in a Facebook post.

Millard included a photo of Bloomquist taken in front of the Ohio River during a trip to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania last September.