Crew Chief Jay Blake Gives Motivational Speech at PSI
MATCO Tools Motorsports Technology Day at PSI
June 1, 2006 - CLEVELAND. NHRA crew chief Jay Blake visitedPowerSport Institute (PSI) to share his experiences and accomplishments of overcoming his disabilities. His company's message at Follow A Dream is consistent: to inspire the students to shift into positive thinking, and to follow and achieve their dreams through self-determination and teamwork.
While working as the head mechanic of a transportation company in May 1997, Jay Blake was involved in an industrial accident that caused him to lose complete vision, smell and taste. At the age of 31, he was faced with relearning how to live as a completely blind person.
Refusing to give up on life, Jay aggressively participated in rehabilitation. Turning his dream into a reality, Jay combined his renewed participation in drag racing with his desire to spread his true-life success by inspiring others, both with and without disabilities, to accomplish their goals through the power of positive thinking and self-determination.
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. 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.
Students were treated to an exceptionally motivational message and got to spend several hours with Jay and his team.
