Hi
Eddie and me are getting things ready for this weekend's Division 1 race in New York. Yeah, we're doing exciting stuff like laundry and getting the trailer in shape for our fourth straight weekend of racing.
Jay
June 30, 2008
June 29, 2008
Norwalk - 2nd Round of Eliminations
Lost an great opportunity against Steve Harker, who had violent tire shake, but we went red to end our weekend in Norwalk. All in all the team did a great job this weekend. It's always disappointing going home without a trophy, but it's time to start thinking about next weekend's Division 1 race in New York.
June 28, 2008
Norwalk - 1st Round Eliminations
Just an awesome first run in eliminations as Marty had a great light and then ran low ET for the event so far with a 5.640/258.27 MPH. We get Steve Harker in the next round and with lane choice we're hoping for good things on Sunday!
I can't say enough about the way the team has brought things together throughout the weekend!
Talk to you tomorrow.
Jay
I can't say enough about the way the team has brought things together throughout the weekend!
Talk to you tomorrow.
Jay
Norwalk - Saturday Qualifying
It's back to racing!
Our second run shows marked improvement with a 5.799/254.62 run. We're 10th...Bobby Martin is in the #1 position with a 5.654.
More later.
Jay
Our second run shows marked improvement with a 5.799/254.62 run. We're 10th...Bobby Martin is in the #1 position with a 5.654.
More later.
Jay
A Wet Day
Well it was a long day or waiting. The day was cut short by continual seeping through the track surface. Norwalk has had about a dozen inches of rain fall in the last 10 days so the ground is pretty saturated. Action was stopped around 4 PM and despite efforts by NHRA, things were finally called off at 9:15.
Here's hoping for a drier Saturday!!
Jay
Here's hoping for a drier Saturday!!
Jay
June 27, 2008
Norwalk - 1st qualifying run
Our first run wasn't what we wanted 5.965 seconds, 230.88 mph. More to come after our second run.
Jeff
Jeff
Norwalk - Friday
Afternoon everyone,
Getting ready for our first qualifying run at 2 PM EST. We've put in new rods and changed the heads on the motor. Putting it back together right now. Randy Anderson once again is in the pits with us, working with my brother Jim on tuning the car.
Last night was incredible with a big storm blowing over top the track. Thought we were going to be lifted up and blown away!!
Looks like we'll be dodging weather all weekend long.
Jay
Getting ready for our first qualifying run at 2 PM EST. We've put in new rods and changed the heads on the motor. Putting it back together right now. Randy Anderson once again is in the pits with us, working with my brother Jim on tuning the car.
Last night was incredible with a big storm blowing over top the track. Thought we were going to be lifted up and blown away!!
Looks like we'll be dodging weather all weekend long.
Jay
Norwalk Preview News Release
Hi everyone,
Below is our news release for this weekend's race in Norwalk, Ohio.
FOLLOW A DREAM LOOKS TO BUILD UPON RECENT SUCCESSES AT
NHRA NATIONALS IN NORWALK, OHIO
Marstons Mills, MA – Follow A Dream, Incorporated (“FAD”) team owner Jay Blake believes the team is carrying momentum into this weekend’s (June 27-29, 2008) Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals At Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.
“Getting to the semifinals last weekend in Englishtown was huge for this team,” said Blake, who is the only totally blind crew chief in motorsports. “Consistency is something that we’ve been striving for all this season, and I think we’re really getting close to putting together an entire weekend of solid runs that will put us in position to challenge for a championship on Sunday.”
“We’re just scratching the surface with the Permatex/Wynn’s/Texas Roadhouse 2008 Chevrolet Impala SS Top Alcohol Funny Car,” said driver Marty Nothstein, the 2000 Olympic Gold Medalist in track cycling. “Every race we’re getting stronger, and I really feel that we haven’t seen the best that this car and team has to offer.”
Since a first round elimination at its season opener at the Southern Nationals in Atlanta in late April, Follow A Dream and Nothstein has appeared in three finals at Northeast Division 1 events in Virginia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, plus the semifinal appearance at Englishtown last weekend.
One of the highlights of the young season occurred two weeks in Atco, New Jersey when Follow A Dream was able to beat defending national champ Frank Manzo in the first round of eliminations. The victory snapped Manzo’s win streak of 47 straight elimination victories.
About Follow A Dream
Established in 1999, Follow A Dream is a non-profit 501(C)3 organization. The organization’s message is uniquely delivered through NHRA drag racing as its medium. As racing’s only totally blind, race crew chief, Follow A Dream Founder, Jay Blake draws upon his personal experience of overcoming adversity and achieving his dream of auto racing, and shares his inspiration with others. For more information go to www.followadream.org.
About Marty Nothstein
Marty ‘The Blade’ Nothstein is one of the most recognized cyclists in the world having won an Olympic Gold Medal in the 2000 Games in Sydney and Silver in Atlanta in 1996. Nothstein is America’s most decorated track cyclist with 35 U.S. National titles, three World Championships, four Pan-American Games Gold Medals, plus he’s a World and Olympic record holder. Since retiring from professional cycling in 2006, Marty is focusing his need for speed in the world of drag racing. 2008 will mark Marty’s third season in a Top Alcohol Funny Car. Nothstein will drive for Jay Blake, the Founder and Crew Chief of “The Follow A Dream Team”. Blake is the only totally blind crew chief in the world of motorsports. After a successful rookie season in 2006 in his Top Alcohol Funny Car, Nothstein found the winner’s circle twice during the 2007 NHRA Drag Racing Series season.
About Permatex
Permatex, Inc. is a leading manufacturer, distributor, and marketer of premium chemical products to the automotive maintenance and repair markets. Since 1909, Permatex has been an acknowledged leader in the development of innovative new products and services for the automotive aftermarket.
About Wynn’s
Wynn’s traces its history to 1939 when the original Wynn’s Friction Proofing Oil Treatment® formula was first developed and introduced to the automotive market. In the 65 years following the introduction of that single product, Wynn’s has grown to become a leading worldwide manufacturer and marketer of innovative, groundbreaking automotive specialty chemicals and service equipment, as well as Complete Automotive Maintenance Programs. For more information, log on to www.wynnsusa.com.
About Texas Roadhouse
Based in Louisville, Ky., Texas Roadhouse opened its doors in 1993. In just 15 years, the company has grown to more than 290 locations in 44 states. In 2006, readers of a national magazine voted Texas Roadhouse as the top concept in the Pub/Grill category, and Forbes magazine ranked the company as one of the 200 Best Small Companies. For more information, visit www.texasroadhouse.com.
###
Media Contacts:
Jeff Fisher 312-805-4850
jeff@blitzgroupllc.com
Trish Hoffman 312-805-4314
trish@blitzgroupllc.com
Below is our news release for this weekend's race in Norwalk, Ohio.
FOLLOW A DREAM LOOKS TO BUILD UPON RECENT SUCCESSES AT
NHRA NATIONALS IN NORWALK, OHIO
Marstons Mills, MA – Follow A Dream, Incorporated (“FAD”) team owner Jay Blake believes the team is carrying momentum into this weekend’s (June 27-29, 2008) Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals At Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.
“Getting to the semifinals last weekend in Englishtown was huge for this team,” said Blake, who is the only totally blind crew chief in motorsports. “Consistency is something that we’ve been striving for all this season, and I think we’re really getting close to putting together an entire weekend of solid runs that will put us in position to challenge for a championship on Sunday.”
“We’re just scratching the surface with the Permatex/Wynn’s/Texas Roadhouse 2008 Chevrolet Impala SS Top Alcohol Funny Car,” said driver Marty Nothstein, the 2000 Olympic Gold Medalist in track cycling. “Every race we’re getting stronger, and I really feel that we haven’t seen the best that this car and team has to offer.”
Since a first round elimination at its season opener at the Southern Nationals in Atlanta in late April, Follow A Dream and Nothstein has appeared in three finals at Northeast Division 1 events in Virginia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, plus the semifinal appearance at Englishtown last weekend.
One of the highlights of the young season occurred two weeks in Atco, New Jersey when Follow A Dream was able to beat defending national champ Frank Manzo in the first round of eliminations. The victory snapped Manzo’s win streak of 47 straight elimination victories.
About Follow A Dream
Established in 1999, Follow A Dream is a non-profit 501(C)3 organization. The organization’s message is uniquely delivered through NHRA drag racing as its medium. As racing’s only totally blind, race crew chief, Follow A Dream Founder, Jay Blake draws upon his personal experience of overcoming adversity and achieving his dream of auto racing, and shares his inspiration with others. For more information go to www.followadream.org.
About Marty Nothstein
Marty ‘The Blade’ Nothstein is one of the most recognized cyclists in the world having won an Olympic Gold Medal in the 2000 Games in Sydney and Silver in Atlanta in 1996. Nothstein is America’s most decorated track cyclist with 35 U.S. National titles, three World Championships, four Pan-American Games Gold Medals, plus he’s a World and Olympic record holder. Since retiring from professional cycling in 2006, Marty is focusing his need for speed in the world of drag racing. 2008 will mark Marty’s third season in a Top Alcohol Funny Car. Nothstein will drive for Jay Blake, the Founder and Crew Chief of “The Follow A Dream Team”. Blake is the only totally blind crew chief in the world of motorsports. After a successful rookie season in 2006 in his Top Alcohol Funny Car, Nothstein found the winner’s circle twice during the 2007 NHRA Drag Racing Series season.
About Permatex
Permatex, Inc. is a leading manufacturer, distributor, and marketer of premium chemical products to the automotive maintenance and repair markets. Since 1909, Permatex has been an acknowledged leader in the development of innovative new products and services for the automotive aftermarket.
About Wynn’s
Wynn’s traces its history to 1939 when the original Wynn’s Friction Proofing Oil Treatment® formula was first developed and introduced to the automotive market. In the 65 years following the introduction of that single product, Wynn’s has grown to become a leading worldwide manufacturer and marketer of innovative, groundbreaking automotive specialty chemicals and service equipment, as well as Complete Automotive Maintenance Programs. For more information, log on to www.wynnsusa.com.
About Texas Roadhouse
Based in Louisville, Ky., Texas Roadhouse opened its doors in 1993. In just 15 years, the company has grown to more than 290 locations in 44 states. In 2006, readers of a national magazine voted Texas Roadhouse as the top concept in the Pub/Grill category, and Forbes magazine ranked the company as one of the 200 Best Small Companies. For more information, visit www.texasroadhouse.com.
###
Media Contacts:
Jeff Fisher 312-805-4850
jeff@blitzgroupllc.com
Trish Hoffman 312-805-4314
trish@blitzgroupllc.com
June 25, 2008
Visiting Permatex Plant in Solon, Ohio
Good Morning Everyone,
I'm paying a visit to the Permatex plant in Solon, Ohio today. I love talking to the workers and they love to check-out the Permatex/Wynn's/Texas Roadhouse Funny Car that will be on display.
I'll tell you about my visit later today.
Jay
I'm paying a visit to the Permatex plant in Solon, Ohio today. I love talking to the workers and they love to check-out the Permatex/Wynn's/Texas Roadhouse Funny Car that will be on display.
I'll tell you about my visit later today.
Jay
June 23, 2008
Englishtown Pics
Hi everyone,
Here are some pics from Race Day on Sunday in between rounds.
Jay
Marty checking the Permatex/Wynn's/Texas Roadhouse Chevrolet Impala SS
Trashing between Quarters and Semis
Here are some pics from Race Day on Sunday in between rounds.
Jay
Marty checking the Permatex/Wynn's/Texas Roadhouse Chevrolet Impala SS
Trashing between Quarters and Semis
Link to NY Times Article
Hi everyone,
For those of you that haven't seen the NY Times sports section article, click here to see it.
Jay
For those of you that haven't seen the NY Times sports section article, click here to see it.
Jay
June 22, 2008
Englishtown - Sunday
Hi all,
It was a good weekend, not a great weekend for the Follow A Dream team.
Sunday's eliminations saw Marty Nothstein lose to national points leader Mickey Ferro, but we certainly had a great shot at getting to the finals for the fourth straight race. We had an electrical problem that caused us not to have a shift lift in the semis, and despite a great reaction time, Marty lost to Ferro.
Now it's time to head to Ohio for next weekend's race in Norwalk. Along the way, we'll make a couple of stops for speaking engagements. More on that tomorrow.
Thanks for checking-in.
Jay
It was a good weekend, not a great weekend for the Follow A Dream team.
Sunday's eliminations saw Marty Nothstein lose to national points leader Mickey Ferro, but we certainly had a great shot at getting to the finals for the fourth straight race. We had an electrical problem that caused us not to have a shift lift in the semis, and despite a great reaction time, Marty lost to Ferro.
Now it's time to head to Ohio for next weekend's race in Norwalk. Along the way, we'll make a couple of stops for speaking engagements. More on that tomorrow.
Thanks for checking-in.
Jay
Raining in Englishtown
We're in a holding pattern because of a light rain, but the sun is coming out at 1:10 and they should start drying the track.
Jay
Jay
Sunday NY Times Article
Good Morning Everyone,
Make sure everyone goes out and picks up a copy of the Sunday NY Times. Follow A Dream is featured on the front page of the sports section today. It's a wonderful article, but now it's time to go racing!!
Check back throughout the day!
Jay
Make sure everyone goes out and picks up a copy of the Sunday NY Times. Follow A Dream is featured on the front page of the sports section today. It's a wonderful article, but now it's time to go racing!!
Check back throughout the day!
Jay
June 21, 2008
Englishtown - Saturday
Our hearts and prayers go out to Scott Kalitta's family tonight as it mourns the loss of Nitro Funny Car driver who lost his life Saturday during an accident in Englishtown. As racers, we go back to the track tomorrow, but with heavy hearts.
NHRA will try to get in all four rounds of TAFC eliminations tomorrow. Our third round of qualifications was cancelled earlier earlier in the day. We're qualified second and will face John Headley in the opening round tomorrow.
Check-in throughout the day...we'll be posting our results as they happen.
Jay
NHRA will try to get in all four rounds of TAFC eliminations tomorrow. Our third round of qualifications was cancelled earlier earlier in the day. We're qualified second and will face John Headley in the opening round tomorrow.
Check-in throughout the day...we'll be posting our results as they happen.
Jay
June 20, 2008
Englishtown - Friday
Wow...what a day!!
The first qualifying run of the day was awesome...some might say perfect. Marty ran a 5.566 with a speed of 261.72, which is said to be the fifth best all-time in TAFC. We were qualified #1 until Manzo took the track and laid down a 5.532 at 263.87.
We pinched a piston so we repaired it just in time for the second qualifying run. We set the car up a little fat and ran a 6.653/258.62 and held on to the #2 spot with our final qualifying run set for 11 AM on Saturday. Manzo backed up his time with an identical 5.532.
Today was a great team effort!! For the second time this year Randy Anderson is helping my brother Jim with the set-up.
Finally, more awesome news. NY Times reporter Dave Caldwell was on-hand for most of the day, and it looks like you'll be able to read about Follow A Dream in Sunday's paper.
Good night,
Jay
The first qualifying run of the day was awesome...some might say perfect. Marty ran a 5.566 with a speed of 261.72, which is said to be the fifth best all-time in TAFC. We were qualified #1 until Manzo took the track and laid down a 5.532 at 263.87.
We pinched a piston so we repaired it just in time for the second qualifying run. We set the car up a little fat and ran a 6.653/258.62 and held on to the #2 spot with our final qualifying run set for 11 AM on Saturday. Manzo backed up his time with an identical 5.532.
Today was a great team effort!! For the second time this year Randy Anderson is helping my brother Jim with the set-up.
Finally, more awesome news. NY Times reporter Dave Caldwell was on-hand for most of the day, and it looks like you'll be able to read about Follow A Dream in Sunday's paper.
Good night,
Jay
June 15, 2008
Atco - Day 2
Man, on cloud 9 after a great day!!
Beating Frank Manzo in the first round and snapping his streak of 47 straight elimination round wins, shows how far we've come!!
Our third straight final also puts a big smile on my face!!
I'm so proud of the team!! Looking forward to Englishtown.
Jay
Beating Frank Manzo in the first round and snapping his streak of 47 straight elimination round wins, shows how far we've come!!
Our third straight final also puts a big smile on my face!!
I'm so proud of the team!! Looking forward to Englishtown.
Jay
June 14, 2008
Atco - Day 1
Hi everyone,
Late on Friday when I'm writing to you. Tough day at Atco, but we're in the show, and you know that's what matters!
On our first pass during qualifying Marty spun the tires and then on the second run the Permatex/Wynn's/Texas Roadhouse Chevy Impala SS Funny Car couldn't be shifted into third gear, so Marty got out of the throttle. He did a great job getting the car down the track.
A run of 5.914/251.67 qualified us 8th for eliminations. First round, we get Frank Manzo, who of course has been the guy that beat us on the last two finals.
The car is back together and ready to go on Saturday.
Time to get some sleep,
Jay
Late on Friday when I'm writing to you. Tough day at Atco, but we're in the show, and you know that's what matters!
On our first pass during qualifying Marty spun the tires and then on the second run the Permatex/Wynn's/Texas Roadhouse Chevy Impala SS Funny Car couldn't be shifted into third gear, so Marty got out of the throttle. He did a great job getting the car down the track.
A run of 5.914/251.67 qualified us 8th for eliminations. First round, we get Frank Manzo, who of course has been the guy that beat us on the last two finals.
The car is back together and ready to go on Saturday.
Time to get some sleep,
Jay
June 9, 2008
Weekend of Hard Work & Good To Hear From An Old Friend
Hi Everyone,
Crew came down Friday night and worked on the car until 1 AM getting it ready for Atco and then some more on Saturday. I took Sunday off to enjoy the family!
Friday was a great day as I got to talk with our tuner Tommy Howell, who's serving our country in Afghanistan. It was so good to hear his voice and share the season so far!
Talk to you tomorrow,
Jay
Crew came down Friday night and worked on the car until 1 AM getting it ready for Atco and then some more on Saturday. I took Sunday off to enjoy the family!
Friday was a great day as I got to talk with our tuner Tommy Howell, who's serving our country in Afghanistan. It was so good to hear his voice and share the season so far!
Talk to you tomorrow,
Jay
June 6, 2008
Getting Ready for Atco
Hi everyone,
Took several days off from the blog, but I'm back as we get ready for next weekend's Division 1 race in Atco, New Jersey, which will kick-off three big weekend's of racing!
Spent yesterday working on cylinder heads and on engine assembly. Scott DeWitt will be in town this weekend and we'll be working in the shop.
Talk to you later today,
Jay
Took several days off from the blog, but I'm back as we get ready for next weekend's Division 1 race in Atco, New Jersey, which will kick-off three big weekend's of racing!
Spent yesterday working on cylinder heads and on engine assembly. Scott DeWitt will be in town this weekend and we'll be working in the shop.
Talk to you later today,
Jay
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