Dave Ray Englishtown wrap up

Worlds’ Only Totally Blind Crew Chief Leads Dream Team at K&N Filters SuperNationals

Englishtown, NJ-The motorsports world’s only totally blind crew chief, Jay Blake, lead his Dream Team at the NHRA K&N Filters SuperNationals this past weekend in Englishtown, NJ. Blake’s racing team, with driver Dave Ray of Plaistow, NH, and tuner Tom Howell of Newbury, MA, race a Top Alcohol Funny Car in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing series of the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association).

Jay and the Dream Team were the subject of several news stories with articles running in The Star-Ledger, one of New Jersey’s largest daily newspapers, and the Asbury Park Press. News 12 New Jersey, a 24-hour local news channel dedicated to serving 14 counties in New Jersey, ran a segment on Jay and the team Saturday, June 17. ESPN2 also filmed Jay and the team for the Sportsman Spotlight portion of NHRA2day that will air Sunday, June 25 at 11:30am.

Racing action was under way on Friday, and on Saturday, Jay and the team were joined by associate sponsor Permatex, who brought more than fifty guests to enjoy a day at the races and have the chance to meet the Dream Team. Everyone had a great time enjoying the racing action and having the chance to watch the team ready the racecar. Qualifying rounds went well, with the Dream Team in the #1 spot after the first two rounds and entering the first round of eliminations in the #4 spot in a field of 19 cars, with a 5.62 @ 259mph. First round of eliminations saw Dave Ray run a 5.66 @ 255mph, while Marc White left the starting line early. Dave Ray prepared for the quarter finals against Mickey Ferro. Dave left the starting line first and was making a great pass when, approximately 3 seconds into the run the blower belt broke and the Follow A Dream/Permatex Funny Car coasted to the finish line, ending a great weekend of racing. The Dream Team is readying for their next appearance at Lebanon Valley Dragway in West Lebanon, NY, June 30-July 1.

Jay and the team would like to thank all the supporters and fans that help keep the dream alive, including, Permatex, MATCO Tools/VoTech, Valvoline, Fram, Mechanixwear, Lincoln Electric, PPG Industries, and JE Pistons.

Race coverage will be broadcast on ESPN2, June 25 at 12:30PM (ET), and again on July 7 at 2PM

To find out more about Follow A Dream, log onto www.followadream.org

Contact:

Jay Blake

Follow A Dream, Inc.

P: 508.420.8319

C: 508.566.5200

E: jay@followadream.org

www.followadream.org