The Follow A Dream Team

Harry "Jay" Blake, Founder and President

Jay Blake is the founder and president of Follow A Dream. As crew chief of the organization's Alcohol Funny Car , he is the only totally blind crew chief in the worldwide sport of auto racing. Jay's passion for cars and racing extends well back to his youth. He has more than 15 years experience as a professional auto mechanic and more than 20 years in drag racing, including as a crew member and crew chief on a Super Comp Dragster racing team. Along with performing the majority of mechanical work, Jay is responsible for the organization's management, operations and community outreach programs.

Driver - Marty Nothstein

In 2007, his sophomore season of racing, Marty won divisional races at Bradenton, FL and St. Louis, MO. Qualifying in the top half of the field at every race entered, he also set top speed at 5 races during the 2007 season. Prior to embarking on a career in the world of drag racing, Marty was a professional cyclist. One of the most recognized and accomplished cyclists in the world Nothstein has won an Olympic Gold Medal in Sydney, and a Silver Medal in Atlanta. He is also a 35-time U.S. Nationals Champion, 3-time World Cycling Champion, 4-time Pan-American Games Gold medalist and World and Olympic record holder. As Executive Vice President & COO of the Valley Preferred Cycling Center, Marty is fulfilling his personal and heartfelt obligation to help steer American track cycling back into medal contention. Marty is a dedicated father of two and makes his home with his wife in Eastern Pennsylvania. Hunting and fishing are two of Marty’s favorite pastimes.

Tuner - Tom Howell

As the tuner for Follow A Dream, Tom Howell brings 15+ years experience as a professional technician and crew chief in drag racing. Tom is responsible for all tuning decisions and data analysis of the racecar, and collaborates with Jay on routine service of the car. Tom won a championship with Don Florence Motorsports and crew chiefed for Paul Femino’s Blue Chip IHRA Funny Car. Tom’s experience also includes working with Marc Rowe Race Cars, and serving as crew chief of super modifieds as well as off-shore racing boats. Tom is self- employed through T. Howell Lettering and holds a degree in graphic arts.

Co-Crew Chief - James C. Blake

Jim Blake is vice president and treasurer of Follow A Dream. Jim has 28 years of racing experience including multiple top ten finishes in the New England Points Series. In 1987 Jim debuted what would become the World's Quickest Clean Air Dragster, powered by propane. In 1993 Jim was awarded "The Sportsman of the Year Award", by his fellow racers. Jim assists his brother Jay with managing Follow A Dream and is a full-time manager for Eastern Propane & Oil in Danvers, MA.

Clutch Specialist-Charlie Mitchell

Charlie attended his first drag race in 1977, and has been involved in drag racing ever since. In 1984 Charlie founded CJM Transmissions, where he built transmissions and rear ends for street rods and racecars. Charlie has also worked with Follow A Dream tuner Tom Howell on Paul Femino's Blue Chip IHRA Funny Car. Charlie is a graduate of ITT Technical Institute and is a medical instruments manufacturing engineer at Seabrook International in Seabrook, NH.

Machinist-Alan Hadfield

Alan Hadfield, is a machinist and crew member for the Follow A Dream Team. He brings 20+ years experience with him. As a mechanic, Alan has the diversity needed for consistent operation and maintenance making him a good choice to be a strong support for the team. Alan is a long time supporter and crew chief for his son’s Junior Dragster, “The Cape Codder Junior.” Alan has participated in many regional drag racing events as well as the Junior Dragsters National’s in Maryland.

Lower End Technician-Scott Osborn

Scott is owner and operator of Wide Load Engineering, a company specializing in custom automotive restoration and fabrication service geared towards repair and research and development. Scott joined the Follow A Dream Team in 2004. He graduated with a degree in Welding Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, MA.

Crew Member- Joe Mitchell

Joe attended his first drag race in 1991 with his father Charlie Mitchell and has been a fan of racing ever since. Joe first began working on racecars in 2002, where he worked with his father on Paul Femino’s Blue Chip IHRA Funny Car for several years, learning the fundamentals of a Top Alcohol Funny Car. Joe is a big hockey fan and plays in a league with friends during his down time. Joe is a truck driver for National Copier Logistics.

Clutch Assistant - Mark Reardon

Mark has had an interest in cars since he was sixteen years old, painting, fixing and building them to go faster. His background includes working as an auto technician for twenty years, and he is currently an auto damage appraiser for a major insurance company. Mark also has a passion for music and entertainment and is the owner of Happy Time Productions, a mobile DJ service. He and his daughter Katie joined the Dream Team in 2004.

Office Manager – Terri Donlon

Terri brings many years of business experience to Follow A Dream, having worked in the corporate sector for most of her professional career. With a background in business administration/client services, Terri provides the support necessary to keep the organization’s office running smoothly.