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
🎄✨ 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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One thing Jay Blake always loved was getting in the car and driving.
It didn’t matter where he was going — he loved the feeling of being behind the wheel, the freedom of choosing a direction, and knowing he could go wherever he wanted to go.
In May of 1997, Jay’s life changed forever. An industrial accident took his sight, his smell, and his taste — and with it, his ability to drive. In an instant, the freedom he cherished was gone.
But Jay made a decision.
If he couldn’t drive toward his dreams anymore, he would walk toward them.
And if he had to walk slower than others…
If he had to walk more carefully…
If the path felt uncertain and unseen…
That would not stop him.
Because success isn’t about how fast you get there.
It’s about choosing to keep walking.
One step.
Every day.
No matter how hard it feels.
No matter how long it takes.
Jay teaches us that when life takes something from you, it doesn’t get to take your direction — unless you let it. Dreams don’t disappear just because the road changes.
So whatever you’re facing today, remember this:
Keep walking.
Keep walking when it’s hard.
Keep walking when it’s slow.
Keep walking when you can’t see the finish line.
If you take one step every day and you keep walking, you will eventually get exactly where you’re meant to go.
If this story speaks to you, share it with someone who needs a reminder to keep walking today.
#KeepWalking
#FollowADream
#NeverGiveUp
#BlindCrewChief
#InspirationInAction ... See MoreSee Less
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We are incredibly honored and grateful to the NHRA Northeast Division for inducting Follow A Dream’s founder and crew chief, Jay Blake, into the Hall of Fame.
Jay’s journey, passion, and leadership continue to inspire racers, students, and dreamers everywhere. This recognition means more than words can express, and we thank the NHRA Northeast Division for celebrating his legacy and impact on our sport and beyond.
From all of us at Follow A Dream, thank you for believing in the power of perseverance, positivity, and dreaming big.The class of 2025 Division 1 Hall of Fame Inductees Curt LaShure, Max Naylor and Jay Blake to be celebrated during the division 1 banquet Feb 7, 2026. Get tickets and information here www.nhradiv1.com/post/2025-division-1-awards-banquet ... See MoreSee Less
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Motivational Monday: You will never feel ready. Ready isn't a feeling. It's a decision. ... See MoreSee Less
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✨Every dream you’ve ever had started the same way — looking impossible.
Jay Blake 's Five Tools for Your Life’s Toolbox remind us that what gets you there isn’t luck… it’s choice, belief, and persistence.
🔧 A Positive Attitude – deciding every day that your circumstances don’t define your future.
🔧 Education – learning, growing, and staying curious no matter where you start.
🔧 Passion – listening to what your heart truly wants and refusing to ignore it.
🔧 Determination – showing up even when the road is hard, long, or uncertain.
🔧 Teamwork – knowing you don’t have to do it alone.
If you believe in yourself and follow your heart’s desire — really follow it — time and distance don’t matter. Obstacles don’t matter. What matters is not giving up and taking one small step every single day. Those steps add up. They always do.
Passion is the spark. Perseverance is the fuel.
And Jay’s five tools are the roadmap that helps turn “impossible” into achievable.
Jay Blake is available for powerful motivational and inspirational presentations that challenge audiences to believe bigger, push harder, and chase what their heart is calling them toward.
📩 Want to learn more or bring Jay to your school, organization, or event?
Reach out and start building your own Life’s Toolbox today.
Because every dream is worth fighting for — and every journey begins with one step. ... See MoreSee Less
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