Follow A Dream -Wrap Up

For Immediate Release


Contact:
Jay Blake
Follow A Dream, Inc.
508.420.8319
508.566.5200
jay@followadream.org


Follow A Dream, Inc. Returns to Racing Action at the NHRA MAC Tools Gatornationals


CENTERVILLE, Mass., March 22, 2005 – Follow A Dream, Inc., a non-profit organization that inspires youth and adults with the power of positive thinking and self-determination, kicked off it’s 2005 racing season at the NHRA Mac Tools Gaternationals in Gainesville Florida by running within .05 seconds of the current NHRA National Record, and setting the fastest time during eliminations.

The NHRA Gaternationals is the first National Event east of the Mississippi and know for its tough competition and unpredictable weather. Well this year was no exception especially for the Follow A Dream race team. The first two days of the event were hamper by rain and temperatures that reached below freezing at times, preventing any racing the first two days. When the sun arrived the Follow A Dream Team was ready earning a top five qualifying position on Saturday and continuing to take that performance into Sunday. On Sunday the team recorded a career best run of 5.56 seconds @ 258 mph, a run that held as the fastest run during eliminations. Unfortunately in the in the quarter finals the car experienced violent tire shake, driver Dave Ray attempted to complete the run but had to abort when the car became too close to the centerline, which allowed Jay Payne, last years second highest points earner nationally, to get by the Follow A Dream car for the win. ESPN will air this race and an interview with Dave and Jay on April 6. The ABC affiliate in Gainesville also did a spotlight on Jay that aired regionally during the event. The team’s next race is the NHRA O’Rielly Auto Parts Spring Nationals in Houston Texas April 8th through the 12th. This race is in conjunction with the southwestern leg of Jay Blake’s Follow A Dream “Tools for Life’s Success” speaking tour.

About Follow A Dream
Founded in 1999, Follow A Dream is a non-profit 501-3© organization with the mission of demonstrating how the power of positive thinking and self-determination can overcome adversity. The organization’s message is uniquely delivered through NHRA drag racing as its medium. While working as the head mechanic of a transportation company in May 1997, Follow A Dream Founder Jay Blake was involved in an industrial accident that caused him to lose complete vision, smell and taste. As motorsport’s only totally blind, race crew chief, Blake draws upon his personal experience of overcoming adversity and achieving his dream of auto racing, and shares his inspiration with others. The organization currently reaches an estimated audience of 500,000 people annually through participation in the NHRA, and on-site speaking presentations for businesses, national organizations, social clubs, colleges, vocational institutes, community schools, and other institutions and organization throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.followadream.org or call 508.420.8319.

 

Good job down there guys

 

Great Job!!! Keep it up you guys.

Rapid

 

Keep working at it.

Love to see you run well.

 

Congrats on your best run!! Just another example of how: It's not always the man in the battle that wins, it's the battle in man that wins. Keep up the good work, and look forward to meeting you guys in Houston.
Warren & Lisa Dauzat
Baton Rouge, La

 

wow you guys turned up the heat in fla. very happy for you. hope it caries over to texas race. hope we have a chance to race you some day at n.e. dragway god speed ralph@ tasca ford.