Breaking: Netflix Finally Releases the Long-Awaited Historical Documentary of Legendary Dirt Track Racer Scott Bloomquist, Featuring His Groundbreaking Career at Eldora Speedway and Unveiling Untold Stories of His Triumphs, Challenges, and Impact on the World of Racing
By [Author Name] | May 9, 2025
In a move that has electrified motorsports fans around the globe, Netflix has officially dropped its long-awaited documentary chronicling the life and legacy of Scott Bloomquist — the enigmatic, controversial, and groundbreaking figure in the world of dirt track racing. The release marks a milestone in both sports entertainment and motorsports history, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the storied career of one of racing’s most captivating icons.
A Racing Legend Immortalized
Titled “The Dark Side: The Scott Bloomquist Story,” the documentary spans over two hours and delivers a raw, unfiltered look at Bloomquist’s meteoric rise in the dirt late model racing world. Best known for his domination at Eldora Speedway — widely considered the Mecca of dirt track racing — Bloomquist has been a polarizing figure for decades. He’s been labeled everything from a genius and a rebel to a villain and a visionary.
This Netflix original, directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Adam Kessler, is more than just a sports documentary; it’s a cultural excavation. Through archival race footage, intimate interviews, and behind-the-scenes access, The Dark Side peels back the layers of a man who defied conventions, pushed mechanical boundaries, and redefined the very nature of competitive racing.
Eldora Speedway: The Heart of the Story
While the documentary captures Bloomquist’s life from his earliest days in California to his championship years in Tennessee, it places particular emphasis on Eldora Speedway — a track that has been both battleground and throne for Bloomquist. His performances at the World 100 and The Dream, Eldora’s two marquee events, have become the stuff of legend. With nine World 100 wins under his belt, Bloomquist’s name is etched in dirt racing lore, and the Netflix feature doesn’t shy away from portraying those iconic moments.
“We couldn’t tell Scott’s story without Eldora,” says Kessler in the opening scenes. “It’s the Coliseum. And he’s the gladiator.”
Footage from the early 1990s shows a young, long-haired Bloomquist barreling around Eldora’s high banks, sending clouds of dirt into the air, his black No. 0 car dancing on the edge of control. The documentary juxtaposes these moments with modern-day interviews from crew chiefs, competitors, and even former rivals who reflect on his impact.
A Story of Triumph and Turmoil
But The Dark Side goes far beyond the racetrack. The documentary delves deeply into Bloomquist’s personal struggles — injuries, suspensions, legal issues, and the polarizing personality that often left him at odds with both officials and peers. It chronicles his 2019 motorcycle accident that nearly ended his career and the painful road to recovery that followed.
In one emotional segment, Bloomquist opens up about the accident for the first time in years.
“I thought I was done. Laying there, I couldn’t move my leg. I couldn’t feel anything. All I could think about was racing,” he recalls, his voice breaking.
The documentary captures his resilience in the aftermath — the grueling rehab, the frustrations, and the unwavering determination to get back behind the wheel. “It was never about proving people wrong,” he says. “It was about proving to myself that I wasn’t finished.”
Never Before Heard Stories and Interviews
Netflix’s production team secured interviews with key figures in Bloomquist’s life, including his longtime crew chief Tommy Hicks, racing promoter Tony Stewart, and even legendary competitors like Billy Moyer and Donnie Moran. These voices offer a comprehensive look into the man behind the myth.
One surprising moment comes when fellow driver Jimmy Owens recounts a near-fight between the two during a heated race in 2011. “We were both out of line,” Owens admits. “But damn if he didn’t make me a better driver because of it.”
The documentary also highlights the technical side of Bloomquist’s genius. Known for building his own cars and developing cutting-edge suspension systems, Bloomquist often operated outside the box, pushing the envelope of what was mechanically possible.
“There were nights when you’d see his car do things no one else’s could,” says racing engineer Dave Whitmore. “He was part scientist, part artist.”
A Cult Figure Beyond the Dirt
Beyond the racetrack, Bloomquist’s influence seeped into pop culture, fashion, and motorsports marketing. His all-black No. 0 car with the yin-yang symbol became a brand unto itself. Fans sported Bloomquist shirts, hats, and jackets with cult-like loyalty. The documentary captures this cultural phenomenon, showing sold-out merchandise trailers and fans with tattoos of his car and logo.
“He was Dale Earnhardt for the dirt world — the outlaw, the intimidator, the showman,” notes NASCAR veteran Kenny Wallace.
One of the most poignant moments in the documentary comes during a scene showing a young fan meeting Bloomquist for the first time. The boy, wearing a full replica suit of Bloomquist’s 2004 Dream-winning uniform, is overwhelmed with emotion. “He’s my hero,” the boy says, tears in his eyes. “I just want to be like him.”
Reactions from the Racing World
Following the release, social media exploded with reactions from fans, drivers, and industry insiders. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #BloomquistNetflix and #DarkSideDocumentary began trending within hours. Several active and retired racers praised the film for its honesty and depth.
Tony Stewart, owner of Eldora Speedway and former NASCAR champion, tweeted:
“Just finished ‘The Dark Side.’ Raw. Real. Bloomquist is a one-of-a-kind icon. Well done, Netflix.”
Veteran driver Steve Francis added,
“Love him or hate him, Bloomquist changed the game. This documentary proves it.”
Even Hollywood chimed in. Actor Matthew McConaughey, a known racing enthusiast, posted on Instagram:
“Bloomquist’s story is Shakespearean. Grit, glory, and grit again. Gotta respect the zero.”
The Legacy Continues
Though Bloomquist has slowed down in recent years, his legacy remains ever-present. His car-building company, Team Zero Race Cars, continues to produce competitive machines for new generations of drivers. The Netflix documentary ends with a powerful shot of Bloomquist standing alone at Eldora’s infield, watching as young drivers take practice laps.
“I see myself in a lot of them,” he says. “But they’ll never know what it was like when we started. When we were making it up as we went. That’s what made it beautiful.”
Final Thoughts
Netflix’s The Dark Side: The Scott Bloomquist Story is a triumph not only for motorsports fans but also for documentary filmmaking. It balances high-octane action with soul-searching reflection, revealing a man who is as complex and compelling as the sport he helped define.
Whether you’re a lifelong dirt track fan or a Netflix viewer encountering Bloomquist for the first time, this film promises to leave a lasting impression. It is a love letter to a misunderstood genius and a vivid chronicle of a dirt-covered dream that roared across America’s heartland.
Available Now on Netflix Worldwide.
