In a thrilling announcement that has reverberated through the motorsport community, Netflix is set to debut The Underdog, a feature‑length documentary chronicling the life, career, and comeback of dirt Super Late Model icon Scott Bloomquist. The premiere date is slated for May 25, 2025, and it promises to take viewers on a ride through triumph, controversy, resilience, and legacy.
A Legend in the Dirt
Scott Bloomquist is no ordinary racer. A six‑time national champion in dirt late‑model racing, he has been lauded as one of the most innovative, rebellious, and formidable figures in the sport. His daring style, mechanical genius, and no‑holds‑barred approach garnered both fierce loyalty and vocal critics over decades.
But the story Netflix aims to tell isn’t just about checkered flags and championships. It is a deep dive into the personal and physical challenges Bloomquist has endured—injuries, health setbacks, critics who counted him out, and the emotional toll of life at the top of a demanding sport.
The Comeback Arc
One of the most compelling threads of The Underdog will be Bloomquist’s comeback in 2025. After several years sidelined by health issues and surgeries, many wondered if he’d ever return to competitive racing. Yet early in 2025, at age 60, he stunned fans by posting a top‑five finish at Eldora Speedway after his long hiatus.
The documentary places that return at its emotional center: a narrative of defiance, passion, and the refusal to fade away quietly. As Netflix says, “the world’s about to see the side of Scott few ever knew — and the fire that never went out.
What to Expect Inside the Film
Directed by motorsports documentarian Lindsey Garrison, The Underdog is said to include:
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Never-before-seen footage from Bloomquist’s shop, recovery periods, and private moments
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Candid interviews with rivals, teammates, and prominent voices in dirt racing (e.g. Donnie Moran, Jonathan Davenport, Tony Stewart)
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A frank look at the controversies and conflicts that dogged his career—his clashes with track officials, rules disputes, and reputation as a maverick
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A portrayal of his influence on grassroots racing, his mechanical innovations, and the lasting imprint he has on younger drivers
Above all, the film is framed not just as a sports documentary, but a human story about grit, legacy, redemption, and the price of greatness.
Reactions from the Racing World
The motorsports community has responded with a mixture of admiration, curiosity, and nostalgia. Longtime rival Steve Francis reportedly said, “Scott’s story is unlike anything we’ve seen. He’s been the villain, the hero, and now — the fighter who refuses to quit.” Meanwhile, NASCAR star Kyle Larson added, “Every racer, whether they love him or hate him, learned something from Bloomquist. THE UNDERDOG is long overdue.”
Bloomquist himself gave a rare public statement, saying:
“They counted me out — said I was finished. But legends don’t fade… we just reload. This documentary ain’t just my story. It’s every underdog’s story.
Release & Viewing Info
It is not yet confirmed whether there will be a limited theatrical run, but given Netflix’s recent pattern with prestige documentaries, a small cinema premiere in select U.S. cities is possible.
Why This Documentary Matters
While motorsports documentaries exist, few dive into dirt‑track racing’s rougher edges—the underfunded teams, regional circuits, mechanical battles, and personalities outside the NASCAR spotlight. This film has the potential to shine a light on a world where passion often outstrips resources, and where legends are forged in clay, sweat, and spite.
Scott Bloomquist’s story—full of brilliance, conflict, comebacks, and contradictions—is tailor‑made for this kind of spotlight. For fans, it’s a chance to see beyond the helmet. For newcomers, it’s a gateway into a gritty, uncompromising sport. And for everyone, it’s a reminder: sometimes the greatest heroes are the ones the world once wrote off.
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