Dale McDowell emerged victorious on Thursday night at Volunteer Speedway to win the 2026 edition of the ‘Scott Bloomquist Memorial Scorcher!’ The Chickamauga, Georgia Hall of Famer qualified third fastest overall during time trials before securing a heat race triumph. After starting third on the grid in the 50-lap Southern All Star Dirt Racing Series headliner, Dale pressured racelong leader Chris Madden throughout the contest before taking control on the 44th circuit. The popular driver known as the “MacDaddy,” who piloted a Team Zero entry that was built by the late Scott Bloomquist, led the final seven laps to pocket the $12,018 payday.
Finishing 0.942 of a second back at the unfurling of the checkered flag was runner-up and seventh-starting Jake O’Neil, of Tucson, Arizona. Garrett Smith improved two spots to round out the podium in third. Jimmy Owens passed a handful of competitors during the caution-plagued contest to land in the fourth spot, while outside polesitter Chris Madden held on to grab the final position inside of the top five after leading the first 43 laps.
“I hate it for Chris (Madden), as he had problems with the right front,” quoted McDowell in victory lane. “Me and him had a pretty equal car there, so you always hate to see that happen, but I had to take advantage of that. This race is for all of the Scott Bloomquist fans and the Bloomquist family and this is one of his cars. Volunteer Speedway was a special place to him and we worked together – him and (car owner) Shane (McDowell) worked really hard together on these things and he accomplished so much in his career. For us to be able to still run these cars and carry that legacy on, it’s pretty special.”…