Racing team owner revs up Eglin with inspiring message

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gaddie
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  A drag racing team owner who overcame severe life challenges delivered an inspiring message of perseverance to military members and civilians here March 20 at The Crossroads.

Jay Blake grew up in Boston, Mass., with a passion for repairing cars and drag racing since age three. In May 1997, while working in Hyannis, Mass. as the head mechanic at a trucking company, a forklift wheel and tire assembly exploded in Blake's face and left him with a total loss of sight, smell and taste.

Nearly 16 years later, he stood confident and self-assured in front of Team Eglin members and talked about his near-death experience and his life afterwards, as part of his commitment to bring his message to different communities.

"My entire world changed forever after the accident - the way I viewed it, the way I interpreted it, and the way I would live it," he said.

Blake refused to let the accident stop him or slow him down.

"When things go horribly wrong, you have to stop, regroup and go back to basics, like learning to maneuver around the house and walk around the block unassisted," he said.

Following reconstructive surgery, aggressive rehabilitation and while still trying to find his direction, a friend encouraged him to go to a drag racing event in Reading, Pa. Blake heard the sounds of engines revving and cars racing down the track. In that moment, he re-discovered his passion for the sport.

"My heart started pounding and my adrenaline started flowing," he said. "I felt alive. I knew I had to be part of it. I jumped up, threw my hands in the air and said 'I'm going for it. I'm going to make it happen.'"

He began pursuing two dreams - to work on drag racing engines and to own a professional auto racing team.

Blake founded 'Follow A Dream,' a non-profit organization, in 1999 with two missions: to build a championship drag racing team and to spread the word and demonstrate to the world how the power of positive thinking, self-determination and teamwork can help anyone overcome adversity in their lives through motor sports.

Over the next several years, Blake and his team worked their way up to the top ranks of national drag racing competition. He even helps as a mechanic on his team's car by using his sense of touch.

According to his biography, Blake reaches nearly two million people at racing events and through on-site presentations for youth at schools, vocational institutes and colleges and military bases.

Blake offered the Eglin audience five tools to place in their 'life toolbox': a positive attitude; education; passion; self-determination and the ability to work as a team member.

"Remember to have a positive attitude and let that energy drive you," he said. "Always be open to education and let that knowledge help build you toward your dreams. Your passion will keep your dreams alive. Your determination will keep your dreams in focus. Your ability to work as a team member will give you the ability to reach your goals and your dreams."

The five tools equal resilience, he added.

Blake closed by praising Eglin's military members and civilians for their service.

"Life isn't easy and it's not fair, but it is the greatest thing there is," he said. "Thanks to you, we're in the greatest country there is. Don't let your fear stop you. Rather, let your dreams drive you, in service to your country and in life."