Racing
The Follow a Dream team campaigns its Nitro Funny Car in the National Hot Rod Association, the largest auto racing organization in the world.
Speaking Engagements
Follow A Dream is a non-profit organization with the mission of demonstrating the Power of Positive Thinking, Self-Determination, and Teamwork.
Our Mission
Established in 1999, Follow A Dream is a non-profit 501(C)3 organization with the mission of demonstrating the Power of Positive Thinking, Self-Determination, and Teamwork. The organization’s message is uniquely delivered through NHRA drag racing as its medium.
As racing’s only totally blind, race crew chief, Follow A Dream Founder Jay Blake draws upon his personal experience of overcoming adversity and achieving his dream of auto racing and shares his inspiration with others. He is also available for motivational speaking engagements at various types of events.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
A new year is here, and if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s this: Never Give Up.
This year will be like a rollercoaster, filled with incredible highs, heart-pounding thrills, and moments that test everything you’re made of. Life can be difficult. The road can be uncertain. But no matter how wild the ride gets, you can’t lose sight of where you’re headed.
Never give up on yourself.
Never give up on your dreams.
Hard work, perseverance, and belief are what make it all happen.
As we head into the 2026 season, we’re excited to share our new Follow A Dream sizzle reel. It's a glimpse into our journey, our passion, and the dreams we continue to chase. We ask you to share it, not just to help support our team, but to help inspire others who may be standing at the edge of their own dream, wondering if it’s possible.
Keep your eyes focused on your goals.
Keep pushing forward.
Dreams can come true, if you refuse to quit.
Here’s to a new year of chasing dreams, breaking barriers, and never giving up.
#NeverGiveUp #ChaseYourDreams #KeepGoing #DreamBig #Perseverance #HardWorkPaysOff #StayFocused ... See MoreSee Less
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The Power of Perseverance
Jay Blake had a dream, to race at the highest level in motorsports with a Nitro Funny Car.
That dream didn’t happen overnight.
Think about the odds. The chances of someone being totally blind, owning a Nitro Funny Car, and having the knowledge and skill to take it apart and put it back together are almost unheard of. Most people would look at those odds and walk away. Most people would listen to the naysayers. Most people would accept the limitations placed in front of them.
Jay didn’t.
He didn’t listen to the voices saying it couldn’t be done.
He didn’t listen to the statistics stacked against him.
He didn’t stop when the road got harder.
He persevered.
At Follow A Dream, perseverance isn’t just a word, it’s a way of life. It’s choosing to keep going when the odds say no. It’s believing in your vision even when others can’t see it. It’s proving that determination, passion, education, teamwork, and a positive attitude can overcome obstacles that seem impossible.
Never let the odds define your future.
Perseverance is what turns dreams into reality. ... See MoreSee Less
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There’s something powerful about welding — the way separate pieces come together to create something stronger than they were alone.
At Follow A Dream, that’s exactly what Miller Welders has helped us do. With The Power of Blue, they haven’t just provided equipment — they’ve helped power dreams, build possibilities, and turn vision into reality.
Welding is more than sparks and steel. It’s precision, patience, and passion. It’s the belief that with the right tools and determination, you can take an idea and make it real. Miller Welders has been part of our journey, helping us achieve our dreams and continue pushing forward toward what’s next.
Dreams don’t happen by accident — they’re built. Weld by weld. Moment by moment. Powered by blue. 💙
#ThePowerOfBlue #MillerWelders #FollowADream #WeldingDreams #BuiltNotGiven ... See MoreSee Less
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Motivational Monday: Dreams don't come with shortcuts. They come with problems to solve. Love the process, stay committed through the struggle, and keep moving forward no matter how long the road looks. ... See MoreSee Less
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🎄✨ Merry Christmas from the Burkart family and the entire Follow A Dream team! ✨🎄
We hope today finds you surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones—and if you can’t be together in person, we hope you’re holding them close in your heart. This season is about love, gratitude, and the people who matter most.
From all of us at Follow A Dream, thank you for being part of our journey. Wishing you peace, warmth, and joy today and always.
❤️🎅 Happy Holidays to all! 🎅❤️ ... See MoreSee Less
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Motivational Monday: If someone offers you an amazing opportunity, but you're not sure you can do it, say yes - then learn how to do it later. ... See MoreSee Less
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We had a great night last night at the Follow A Dream shop welcoming a group of Scouts from Scouting America along with their leaders and parents, who came to tour the shop and hear Jay Blake’s presentation. Watching these young people listen, ask questions, and truly engage was a powerful reminder of why this part of our mission matters so much.
Teaching the next generation and helping guide young people in the direction they should go is one of the most meaningful and decent things we can do as humans. These young adults are the citizens, leaders, and workers of tomorrow, and the lessons we share with them today will shape the world we all live in.
It was especially meaningful to have several parents who are veterans with us last night. As a small way of saying thank you for their service, we invited them to sign the back of our show car—an honor we’re proud to offer to those who have served our country.
At Follow A Dream, we believe in supporting kids where they are, encouraging them to believe in themselves, and showing them that their dreams are worth chasing—no matter the obstacles. If they can learn early to have confidence, determination, and belief in their own potential, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.
Thank you to the Scouts, their leaders, and their parents for spending the evening with us, and to everyone who believes in lifting up the next generation. The future is in good hands when we invest in them today.
#FollowADream #NextGeneration #Scouts #BelieveInDreams #CommunityMatters #VeteransSupport Eastern Propane & Oil Spray Nine Miller Welders Bring Back the Trades Inc ... See MoreSee Less
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