Scott Bloomquist has developed a reputation for arriving late to race tracks on the night of events. It is not uncommon to see his hauler rolling through the pit gates well after all other competitors have been on the grounds for hours to get ready for competition. However, a late appearance on the opening night for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series at the Golden Isles Speedway in Waynesville, Georgia proved costly for the three-time and defending series champion on Friday night.
Due to his late arrival at Golden Isles, Bloomquist did not have time to survey the track before the action got underway
Even though the drivers meeting was held at 4:30, Bloomquist came to the LOLMDS trailer to sign in for competition on Friday at 6:56pm. By that time, the other drivers had been through their hot lap sessions, qualified and were preparing for their heat races for the $10,000-to-win event.
It is not known, at least by this reporter, why the Team Zero crew was late but it should be said here that a similar situation occurred a few years ago at Golden Isles when a flat tire on the hauler proved to be the culprit in causing Bloomquist’s tardy arrival.
With no qualifying time to fall back on, the Mooresburg, Tenn. resident ultimately had to start a B-main race from the 16th spot on the grid. With a series provisional starting position in the feature race all but guaranteed to be available for him, the driver sometimes referred to as ‘Black Sunshine’ essentially used that preliminary as a hot lap session of his own. At the start of the race he fell well back behind the field then ran a few laps before pulling off the track.
A post on my Twitter account explaining that Bloomquist would be using a provisional to start the feature drew a fiery response from NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer, who owns the Dirt Late Model cars driven by Don O’Neal and Darrell Lanigan.
Bowyer declared on Twitter that, “If the champion can’t seem to make pre race tech or hot laps or hell even qualifying. He shouldn’t get a provisional. Number says it all. #sickofit”.
Driver Eddie Carrier, Jr.(who was not racing at Golden Isles) responded to Bowyer’s tweet with, “I feel the same way but until someone stands up they won’t do a thing”.
Bloomquist sits ready for the start of the night’s first B-main race.
Bloomquist started the 50-lap main event of the night from the 23rd spot on a track that proved to be less than conducive for passing as drivers hugged the bottom groove for most of the way. Unable to move forward, Bloomquist was caught by leader Billy Moyer, Jr. on lap 13 and spent the next 24 circuits running right in front of the lead machines as they made their way around the 4/10 clay oval.
Finally on lap 37, Bloomquist’s car appeared to slow suddenly at the exit of turn 2 and was tagged by that of the leading Moyer. The No. 0 was sent spinning on the back stretch.
Bloomquist pulled off track after the incident to end his night with what ultimately would be a 25th place result. It was certainly not the best of ways to begin a campaign in defense of the series title. That said, however, it is a season that will include over 50 races and this driver has been noted throughout his career for quick recoveries from poor outings.
