Hello everybody in blog land. I’m back in the office today after being off over Christmas and then sick. I feel better today. Snowing again here on Cape Cod. I remember when I moved here years ago they said it doesn’t snow on the Cape. Not true anymore.
Doing some work here in the shop to get ready for the World of Wheels Show in Boston, where we’ll move in next Thursday, January 8. Show runs January 9-11.
Had a great holiday with the family. Going to stay home tonight to celebrate New Years. Hope everyone has a safe and wonderful evening and we’ll talk to you next year.
Jay
December 31, 2008
December 22, 2008
UPDATE
Hey Everyone,
Back in the great white north, and my God, is it white & cold! The racecar is in the shop and we're starting to get it ready to go out the door to the World of Wheels Show in Boston and the 2009 season. There's a bunch to be done with all of the equipment and the crew will be getting together after the holidays to get busy. I've been busy winterizing the truck & trailer, getting stuff out for re-certification to meet all the safety requirements. I have to spend some time in the next couple of days getting ready for Christmas. Jimmy and his family will come to the Cape to spend Christmas Eve with my family-we're looking forward to this, it should be alot of fun.
I wish everyone a wonderful & happy Christmas. Will touch base at the beginning of next week.
"Now, Tommy! now, Jimmy! now, Nick and Terri! On, Joe! On, Jay! on, Charlie and Marty! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away!dash away all!"
Back in the great white north, and my God, is it white & cold! The racecar is in the shop and we're starting to get it ready to go out the door to the World of Wheels Show in Boston and the 2009 season. There's a bunch to be done with all of the equipment and the crew will be getting together after the holidays to get busy. I've been busy winterizing the truck & trailer, getting stuff out for re-certification to meet all the safety requirements. I have to spend some time in the next couple of days getting ready for Christmas. Jimmy and his family will come to the Cape to spend Christmas Eve with my family-we're looking forward to this, it should be alot of fun.
I wish everyone a wonderful & happy Christmas. Will touch base at the beginning of next week.
"Now, Tommy! now, Jimmy! now, Nick and Terri! On, Joe! On, Jay! on, Charlie and Marty! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away!dash away all!"
December 10, 2008
Back In Florida
Hi folks-
Returned to Florida yesterday afternoon. Met up with my buddy, Tom Dobruck with Permatex and will speak at the Automotive Specialty Products Alliance meeting luncheon in Ft. Lauderdale on behalf of our sponsor Permatex on Wednesday, Dec. 10. After the luncheon, Tom & I will drive to the Orlando Convention Center for the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show. The racecar will be moved into the show prior to our arrival (thanks to Ed Parker & Charlie Mitchell). The show runs tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 11 through Saturday, Dec. 13. My brother, Jim Blake and team crew chief, Tom Howell will be flying to meet us and we'll spend the time walking the show and meeting up with current sponsors to thank them for their continued support and meeting some new friends & fans.
After the show, Ed & I will be driving back to New England. On our way home we've scheduled a stop at Lincoln Technical Institute in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Dec. 16 where I'll speak to the Automotive students and faculty beginning around 10am.
Will update you all on our trip when I return to the office middle of next week.
Have a great day!
Jay
Returned to Florida yesterday afternoon. Met up with my buddy, Tom Dobruck with Permatex and will speak at the Automotive Specialty Products Alliance meeting luncheon in Ft. Lauderdale on behalf of our sponsor Permatex on Wednesday, Dec. 10. After the luncheon, Tom & I will drive to the Orlando Convention Center for the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show. The racecar will be moved into the show prior to our arrival (thanks to Ed Parker & Charlie Mitchell). The show runs tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 11 through Saturday, Dec. 13. My brother, Jim Blake and team crew chief, Tom Howell will be flying to meet us and we'll spend the time walking the show and meeting up with current sponsors to thank them for their continued support and meeting some new friends & fans.
After the show, Ed & I will be driving back to New England. On our way home we've scheduled a stop at Lincoln Technical Institute in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Dec. 16 where I'll speak to the Automotive students and faculty beginning around 10am.
Will update you all on our trip when I return to the office middle of next week.
Have a great day!
Jay
December 4, 2008
Hi Everybody-
Home for a couple of days, getting ready to return to Florida for the PRI Show. Weather here on Cape Cod has been beautiful the last couple of days. Been great to be home for awhile spending time with my wife Ann and the rest of my family.
Been working in the office trying to pull things together for next year and getting ready to leave for Florida early next week.
The CFADA Auto Show in Orlando was great, lots of attendees and the chance to meet some terrific people. I'd like to thank Barbara, Josie, and all the folks at Seminole Community College for their hospitality and assistance in making this a great event.
Readers, feedback and suggestions of topics you'd like to see discussed on the blog would be very helpful. If you have suggestions, please forward through the comments section.
Hope you all are well and will touch base again early next week.
Jay
Home for a couple of days, getting ready to return to Florida for the PRI Show. Weather here on Cape Cod has been beautiful the last couple of days. Been great to be home for awhile spending time with my wife Ann and the rest of my family.
Been working in the office trying to pull things together for next year and getting ready to leave for Florida early next week.
The CFADA Auto Show in Orlando was great, lots of attendees and the chance to meet some terrific people. I'd like to thank Barbara, Josie, and all the folks at Seminole Community College for their hospitality and assistance in making this a great event.
Readers, feedback and suggestions of topics you'd like to see discussed on the blog would be very helpful. If you have suggestions, please forward through the comments section.
Hope you all are well and will touch base again early next week.
Jay
November 25, 2008
ON THE ROAD AGAIN...
Hello Race Fans
Left Boston yesterday afternoon to meet Ed and the truck/trailer in Orlando for the Central Florida Auto Dealers Assoc. Auto Show being held at the Orange County Convention Center. The CFADA Show is one of the largest in the country, so it should be lots of fun and an opportunity to meet some new friends.
Spoke at Seminole Community College in Sanford, FL this morning and will move into the show later today. The show runs through Sunday, where we'll be displaying the racecar (Automotive Careers Display #F-1) and signing autographs for a couple hours each afternoon. On Thanksgiving, the Association will be providing a sit down turkey dinner for all those working the show which should be great.
After moving out of the show on Sunday, we'll make a stop Monday morning, Dec. 1 at Mid Florida Tech in Orlando to speak to students and faculty before flying home later in the day.
Then its home for about a week and then off to Florida again for the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show in Orlando, Dec. 11-13.
Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!
Jay
Left Boston yesterday afternoon to meet Ed and the truck/trailer in Orlando for the Central Florida Auto Dealers Assoc. Auto Show being held at the Orange County Convention Center. The CFADA Show is one of the largest in the country, so it should be lots of fun and an opportunity to meet some new friends.
Spoke at Seminole Community College in Sanford, FL this morning and will move into the show later today. The show runs through Sunday, where we'll be displaying the racecar (Automotive Careers Display #F-1) and signing autographs for a couple hours each afternoon. On Thanksgiving, the Association will be providing a sit down turkey dinner for all those working the show which should be great.
After moving out of the show on Sunday, we'll make a stop Monday morning, Dec. 1 at Mid Florida Tech in Orlando to speak to students and faculty before flying home later in the day.
Then its home for about a week and then off to Florida again for the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show in Orlando, Dec. 11-13.
Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!
Jay
November 18, 2008
Home At Last!
Hey Everybody, I'm finally home. My daughter, Marybeth picked me up at the airport last night. It was great to be home and see my wife and get to the office this morning to see Terri's smiling face! I'll be in the office through the end of this week doing paperwork and preping to meet Eddie in Florida, where I'll be a part of the Central Florida Auto Dealers Show.
The racing season has come to an end, and we're already preparing for the 2009 season. We're very excited about the opportunities availabile to us in 2009 and look forward to working hard throughout the winter to get ready.
Keep checking back, we're working hard at keeping the blog updated.
As always, thanks to all of our friends and fans in the racing community for your support of Follow A Dream.
Jay
The racing season has come to an end, and we're already preparing for the 2009 season. We're very excited about the opportunities availabile to us in 2009 and look forward to working hard throughout the winter to get ready.
Keep checking back, we're working hard at keeping the blog updated.
As always, thanks to all of our friends and fans in the racing community for your support of Follow A Dream.
Jay
November 16, 2008
The End of Pomona- For Now
Hello everybody!
Its still warm in California. They tell me that its kinda smoky, as brush fires are sweeping through Southern California.
Today was the final rounds of racing, and we lost in the quarterfinals. We had the right lane, and we had some problems with the car shaking. We ran a 5.77 at 251mph to Jay Payne's 5.59 at 257mph.
This brought our California weekend to a close. The crew worked tirelessly on the car throughout the entire weekend. Tommy Howell did a marvelous job for us, and it was great having the entire crew here working together. Although the Pomona magic is over for now, we know we will return.
We are packed up to go. Eddie will be heading to Florida tomorrow. I will be on a plane, and back in the office on Tuesday. I am looking forward to going home and seeing my wife and family.
Stay tuned for more updates.
Best,
Jay
Its still warm in California. They tell me that its kinda smoky, as brush fires are sweeping through Southern California.
Today was the final rounds of racing, and we lost in the quarterfinals. We had the right lane, and we had some problems with the car shaking. We ran a 5.77 at 251mph to Jay Payne's 5.59 at 257mph.
This brought our California weekend to a close. The crew worked tirelessly on the car throughout the entire weekend. Tommy Howell did a marvelous job for us, and it was great having the entire crew here working together. Although the Pomona magic is over for now, we know we will return.
We are packed up to go. Eddie will be heading to Florida tomorrow. I will be on a plane, and back in the office on Tuesday. I am looking forward to going home and seeing my wife and family.
Stay tuned for more updates.
Best,
Jay
November 15, 2008
Day 2 Part 2
Yesterday, in our 3rd qualifyer, we ran a 5.62, which qualified us 6th. We did break a rocker arm, and we spent a lot of time fixing that last evening.
Today we have round 1.
Check back soon,
Jay
Today we have round 1.
Check back soon,
Jay
November 14, 2008
Day 2- Part 1
Hey everyone!
It's about 2:00 out here in California. We had our second qualifying pass this morning. We ran a 5.79. The car was driving through the clutch. Right now, we are currently not qualified, but we are getting the car ready for our third and final qualifying race this evening. We are confident that it will move us up the ladder.
Chris and Rick from ARP products and Bill from Cleavite stopped by to see how we were doing. We really appreciate all the support from all our sponsors. We certainly couldn't do this without them.
If any of you are wondering what the weather is like in California, it is about high 80s/ low 90s. It is another hot, sunny California day.
Check back later today for information on our 3rd qualifying race.
-Jay
It's about 2:00 out here in California. We had our second qualifying pass this morning. We ran a 5.79. The car was driving through the clutch. Right now, we are currently not qualified, but we are getting the car ready for our third and final qualifying race this evening. We are confident that it will move us up the ladder.
Chris and Rick from ARP products and Bill from Cleavite stopped by to see how we were doing. We really appreciate all the support from all our sponsors. We certainly couldn't do this without them.
If any of you are wondering what the weather is like in California, it is about high 80s/ low 90s. It is another hot, sunny California day.
Check back later today for information on our 3rd qualifying race.
-Jay
November 13, 2008
Day 1
Hey everybody!
This is coming to you from the sunny, hot, Pomona, California where temperatures have reached about 85. I am definitely feeling pain for all of those on the East Coast, suffering in the cold.
Today was our first qualifying pass. We ran 5.82 seconds at 253mph, which puts us currently at 14th. We were looking to calm the car way down and to make a smooth pass down the track. We did this, just slower than we had hoped. This is a solid foundation to build on for tomorrow's 2 qualifying passes.
It is great to have the crew back at the race track. Everyone is back together and working hard.
It is about 3:30 California time, and the car is put to bed for the night to rest up for tomorrow.
Check back with us tomorrow so we can keep you updated as the race continues.
Also- be sure to get the new Follow a Dream t-shirts for your loved ones for Christmas before they all run out.
Until then,
Jay
This is coming to you from the sunny, hot, Pomona, California where temperatures have reached about 85. I am definitely feeling pain for all of those on the East Coast, suffering in the cold.
Today was our first qualifying pass. We ran 5.82 seconds at 253mph, which puts us currently at 14th. We were looking to calm the car way down and to make a smooth pass down the track. We did this, just slower than we had hoped. This is a solid foundation to build on for tomorrow's 2 qualifying passes.
It is great to have the crew back at the race track. Everyone is back together and working hard.
It is about 3:30 California time, and the car is put to bed for the night to rest up for tomorrow.
Check back with us tomorrow so we can keep you updated as the race continues.
Also- be sure to get the new Follow a Dream t-shirts for your loved ones for Christmas before they all run out.
Until then,
Jay
November 12, 2008
Greetings from Pomona!
Hey everybody!
Its Wednesday, and we are in Pomona, CA, set up and ready to race!
But first, I need to tell you about last night. Wynn's Mark Hisher took Eddie and I to Speed Zone where they had Small Block Chevy Dragsters on a track. I was able to drive them. Wow! It was awesome! I made 6 passes which were about 200 feet long, and I went about 80mph or so in like 3.4 seconds. It was really, really cool. Oh ya, did I mention that it was really, really cool? In my last three passes, I was going against three other cars, and I was able to beat 2 of the 3. That just goes to show how pathetic the other drivers were. We had a lot of fun. Mark then took Eddie and I to dinner, and then we called it a night.
The rest of the crew showed up today, and they are all really excited to race. Our first qualifying pass is tomorrow around noon.
It is absolutely wonderful having Tommy Howell back from Afghanistan and with us for the race. We are all really looking forward to this weekend.
I will be blogging everyday while we are out here so stay tuned for the daily update!
-Jay
Its Wednesday, and we are in Pomona, CA, set up and ready to race!
But first, I need to tell you about last night. Wynn's Mark Hisher took Eddie and I to Speed Zone where they had Small Block Chevy Dragsters on a track. I was able to drive them. Wow! It was awesome! I made 6 passes which were about 200 feet long, and I went about 80mph or so in like 3.4 seconds. It was really, really cool. Oh ya, did I mention that it was really, really cool? In my last three passes, I was going against three other cars, and I was able to beat 2 of the 3. That just goes to show how pathetic the other drivers were. We had a lot of fun. Mark then took Eddie and I to dinner, and then we called it a night.
The rest of the crew showed up today, and they are all really excited to race. Our first qualifying pass is tomorrow around noon.
It is absolutely wonderful having Tommy Howell back from Afghanistan and with us for the race. We are all really looking forward to this weekend.
I will be blogging everyday while we are out here so stay tuned for the daily update!
-Jay
November 9, 2008
Hello from the Road
Hey everybody!
Its Sunday night and Eddie and I are driving through the desert. We're going to Asuza to do a presentation for Wynn's. Tomorrow morning, we will go to Wynn's to display the car, and I will do the presentation tomorrow night.
This weekend was spent doing work on the truck, hanging around and catching up on some sleep. Tomorrow after we will be going grocery shopping!
As for now, the sun is out, the weather is beautiful, and I am looking forward to everyone coming out and going racing!!
That's all for now
-Jay
Its Sunday night and Eddie and I are driving through the desert. We're going to Asuza to do a presentation for Wynn's. Tomorrow morning, we will go to Wynn's to display the car, and I will do the presentation tomorrow night.
This weekend was spent doing work on the truck, hanging around and catching up on some sleep. Tomorrow after we will be going grocery shopping!
As for now, the sun is out, the weather is beautiful, and I am looking forward to everyone coming out and going racing!!
That's all for now
-Jay
November 8, 2008
Weekend
It's Saturday and the sun is out! It is bright, warm and beautiful. Eddie and I got the car out of the AAPEX show on Thursday night. We had a wonderful last day at the show. I did a SEMA TV piece with Barry Meguiar on Car Crazy.
Yesterday, I just walked around SEMA, and I headed out of Las vegas last night. On Monday, I will be speaking at the Wynn's headquarters.
Check back soon,
Jay
Yesterday, I just walked around SEMA, and I headed out of Las vegas last night. On Monday, I will be speaking at the Wynn's headquarters.
Check back soon,
Jay
November 6, 2008
Good Morning From Vegas!
Wednesday was a great day at the AAPEX Show. Shook alot of hands and met some wonderful people. Always great to meet fans and introduce those that don't know about us to Follow A Dream and our unique program. Drag racing legend, Don Prudhomme was at the Wynn's booth yesterday so I had the chance to talk with him and then we took some pictures of the funny car for Wynn's.
Last night Eddie and I got out of the hotel for awhile and took a nice long walk down the Vegas strip. Stopped at a place that had $1.50 beers and then finished off our big night out with dinner at Denny's. We are two wild & crazy guys!
We'll be in the Permatex booth again today and then we're going to walk the show and try to hook up with some of our contacts and meet some new folks. Tonight is the move out and then off to California where we're going to visit the Wynn's USA headquarters on Monday on our way to the NHRA Finals in Pomona, CA later in the week.
Keep checking back!
Jay
Last night Eddie and I got out of the hotel for awhile and took a nice long walk down the Vegas strip. Stopped at a place that had $1.50 beers and then finished off our big night out with dinner at Denny's. We are two wild & crazy guys!
We'll be in the Permatex booth again today and then we're going to walk the show and try to hook up with some of our contacts and meet some new folks. Tonight is the move out and then off to California where we're going to visit the Wynn's USA headquarters on Monday on our way to the NHRA Finals in Pomona, CA later in the week.
Keep checking back!
Jay
November 5, 2008
Hello from Vegas!!
I have arrived! Eddie and the car were here on Friday. He spent the weekend at the races.
On Monday, we moved the car into the AAPEX Show to be displayed for everyone to see. After we had set it up, we went to Pole Position, which is an indoor go-cart track and bar. They were holding a birthday party for Permatex’s 100 year celebration! It was a lot of fun, until they asked me to just say a few words. Man, I dropped the ball. I thought that if I sang “Happy Birthday” everyone would join in with me. Oops, I was wrong. I ended up singing it by myself in front of about 200 people. And I can’t really sing.
I did not do any driving at the party, but Marty and Eddie did their share. I would like to thank Permatex for putting on a great party.
Tuesday day/evening were very busy. The AAPEX show opened, and it was a great first day. The crowd was wonderful; Marty and I signed autographs for them. I did a TV piece with Sam from Two Guys Garage on the Right Stuff from Permatex. That night, I went to a retirement party, and Marty went to a party for Clevite Engine Bearings.
Since then, Marty has flown home. I will be at the Apex show all day Wednesday and Thursday. I am looking forward to a great couple of days.
Nothing else too exciting; I have just been keeping very busy. I am still trying to get used to the time change here. I will blog again soon to keep you updated about my adventures in Vegas.
Best,
Jay
On Monday, we moved the car into the AAPEX Show to be displayed for everyone to see. After we had set it up, we went to Pole Position, which is an indoor go-cart track and bar. They were holding a birthday party for Permatex’s 100 year celebration! It was a lot of fun, until they asked me to just say a few words. Man, I dropped the ball. I thought that if I sang “Happy Birthday” everyone would join in with me. Oops, I was wrong. I ended up singing it by myself in front of about 200 people. And I can’t really sing.
I did not do any driving at the party, but Marty and Eddie did their share. I would like to thank Permatex for putting on a great party.
Tuesday day/evening were very busy. The AAPEX show opened, and it was a great first day. The crowd was wonderful; Marty and I signed autographs for them. I did a TV piece with Sam from Two Guys Garage on the Right Stuff from Permatex. That night, I went to a retirement party, and Marty went to a party for Clevite Engine Bearings.
Since then, Marty has flown home. I will be at the Apex show all day Wednesday and Thursday. I am looking forward to a great couple of days.
Nothing else too exciting; I have just been keeping very busy. I am still trying to get used to the time change here. I will blog again soon to keep you updated about my adventures in Vegas.
Best,
Jay
November 4, 2008
ARRIVED IN VEGAS
Hi All!
Caught a flight to Vegas Sunday night to meet up with Ed for the AAPEX Show. Moved the racecar into the show yesterday afternoon and will be in the Permatex booth today, tomorrow, and Thursday meeting fans and signing autographs.
Last night, Permatex held a 100th Anniversary celebration at Pole Position Raceway, an indoor kart racing facility in Las Vegas. Had a lot of fun catching up with some of my Permatex friends but, unfortunately nobody would let me drive!
This evening will be a busy one, have 3 events that I am required to attend between 5-6:30pm. Should be interesting to see how that all goes. Will fill you in some more when I get a few minutes. Have a great day!
Jay
Caught a flight to Vegas Sunday night to meet up with Ed for the AAPEX Show. Moved the racecar into the show yesterday afternoon and will be in the Permatex booth today, tomorrow, and Thursday meeting fans and signing autographs.
Last night, Permatex held a 100th Anniversary celebration at Pole Position Raceway, an indoor kart racing facility in Las Vegas. Had a lot of fun catching up with some of my Permatex friends but, unfortunately nobody would let me drive!
This evening will be a busy one, have 3 events that I am required to attend between 5-6:30pm. Should be interesting to see how that all goes. Will fill you in some more when I get a few minutes. Have a great day!
Jay
October 24, 2008
Keeping Busy
Hey everybody!
Wednesday saw Charlie, Eddie and I working in the shop. We were able to blow the cobwebs out and get the car running. It sounds great! I definitely think that it sounds ready for the West Coast trip, and we’re hoping to have some great runs out there. We are ready as well. Saturday, we are going to load up the trailer, pick up the body of the car, which is currently getting some touchups, and Eddie will head West on Sunday.
I, however, won’t be flying out to Vegas until Sunday, November 2. I am keeping myself busy until then. I flew out yesterday to Houston, Texas, where I will be speaking today at the National Industries for the Blind Annual Training Conference. I will then hop back on a plane and fly home this afternoon. Tomorrow, I’ll be back in the shop.
Next Stop: The Big Bright Lights of Vegas!
Check Back Soon,
Jay
Wednesday saw Charlie, Eddie and I working in the shop. We were able to blow the cobwebs out and get the car running. It sounds great! I definitely think that it sounds ready for the West Coast trip, and we’re hoping to have some great runs out there. We are ready as well. Saturday, we are going to load up the trailer, pick up the body of the car, which is currently getting some touchups, and Eddie will head West on Sunday.
I, however, won’t be flying out to Vegas until Sunday, November 2. I am keeping myself busy until then. I flew out yesterday to Houston, Texas, where I will be speaking today at the National Industries for the Blind Annual Training Conference. I will then hop back on a plane and fly home this afternoon. Tomorrow, I’ll be back in the shop.
Next Stop: The Big Bright Lights of Vegas!
Check Back Soon,
Jay
October 20, 2008
Heading West
Hey everybody!
It’s that time of year again- autumn in New England. As the weather gets increasingly colder, the crew is looking forward to heading west. Lately, we have been working in the shop to prepare for our upcoming trip. We put in rods and freshened the heads on the motor. Charlie and I worked in the shop on Sunday. He went through the transmission, and we have been working on getting everything ready to go.
The next couple of days will be spent loading the trailer. We’re getting ready to put the blower on, and we plan to warm up on Wednesday. Just getting everything done that we need to before we can leave.
I would also like to congratulate Jamie Blake for winning the 2nd annual Junior Jam at New England Dragway on Saturday.
Will keep you updated!
Jay
It’s that time of year again- autumn in New England. As the weather gets increasingly colder, the crew is looking forward to heading west. Lately, we have been working in the shop to prepare for our upcoming trip. We put in rods and freshened the heads on the motor. Charlie and I worked in the shop on Sunday. He went through the transmission, and we have been working on getting everything ready to go.
The next couple of days will be spent loading the trailer. We’re getting ready to put the blower on, and we plan to warm up on Wednesday. Just getting everything done that we need to before we can leave.
I would also like to congratulate Jamie Blake for winning the 2nd annual Junior Jam at New England Dragway on Saturday.
Will keep you updated!
Jay
October 6, 2008
Hello Race Fans!
Wanted to stop in and say hi-sorry it's been so long. Been working in the shop getting the racecar ready to head West for the AAPEX Show with Permatex and then to the finals in Pomona. Been doing some office work and will be headed out to speak on behalf of TravelCenters of America at the end of the week in Cleveland, OH.
Has everybody seen the new t-shirts we have for sale on the website. Take a look on the homepage-they're very cool!
I just heard about Bobby Martindale's accident this past weekend in Atlanta. I'd like to send our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and crew. What a sad day in drag racing. RIP
Will keep you all posted & have a wonderful day!
Best,
Jay
Has everybody seen the new t-shirts we have for sale on the website. Take a look on the homepage-they're very cool!
I just heard about Bobby Martindale's accident this past weekend in Atlanta. I'd like to send our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and crew. What a sad day in drag racing. RIP
Will keep you all posted & have a wonderful day!
Best,
Jay
September 9, 2008
Hello Everyone!
It’s been a week or so since I last touched base, and wanted to fill you all in. Indy started well, with a couple of great passes that put us in the #3 qualifying spot. Hurt the rear end and twisted the axel so Jimmy & Joe jumped in the rental car and drove to Chicago Saturday night to meet up with the folks at Strange Engineering. Worked on fixing the rear end and arrived back at the track after 4am on Sunday. Got the rear end back in the car and were ready to go Sunday morning for the final qualifying pass. Again, we struggled to find just the right combination and shook the tires pretty hard. Qualified 12th going into eliminations on Sunday afternoon, where we lost to Roger Bateman. We were all disappointed after giving it our all. Before packing it all up and heading to Englishtown, NJ we stopped at one of the Texas Roadhouse locations in Indy to display the racecar and then spoke at Lincoln Technical Institute on Wednesday, where I spoke in front of over 800 students. Had a great day at Lincoln Tech!
Got to NJ where we competed with hurricane Hanna to get some racing in. Had one qualifying pass each on Saturday & Sunday where unfortunately, we did not qualify for the event. Again, the team was discouraged but, we all know we have the right combination of driver, team, sponsors, parts-you name it. To put it simply, we have all the right stuff. Spent Monday at Pro Start Racecars with Kurt where we worked to get some changes and repairs made to the parachutes. All looks good and we’re now headed to NC for the inaugural race at Concord. Did an interview over the phone yesterday for an On The Run article for National Dragster.
Will be stopping to display the racecar in Concord, NC at Texas Roadhouse on Wednesday evening before we get to the track. A good opportunity to meet some race fans and have a great meal to start what we hope will be a great weekend of racing.
The positive attitude and determination of the entire team will carry us through our difficult times as we work to find out what it is that our great hotrod is looking for. The Chevrolet Impala SS/Prostart funny car has tons of power and we just have to find the right way to put it to the ground.
We thank you all for your support and will give you an update Thursday from the new racetrack. A special thanks to Strange Engineering for working with us into the night during Indy-you guys are awesome!
P.S. Keep an eye on the website, we’ll be launching a new line of custom Follow A Dream t-shirts in the next several days.
Got to NJ where we competed with hurricane Hanna to get some racing in. Had one qualifying pass each on Saturday & Sunday where unfortunately, we did not qualify for the event. Again, the team was discouraged but, we all know we have the right combination of driver, team, sponsors, parts-you name it. To put it simply, we have all the right stuff. Spent Monday at Pro Start Racecars with Kurt where we worked to get some changes and repairs made to the parachutes. All looks good and we’re now headed to NC for the inaugural race at Concord. Did an interview over the phone yesterday for an On The Run article for National Dragster.
Will be stopping to display the racecar in Concord, NC at Texas Roadhouse on Wednesday evening before we get to the track. A good opportunity to meet some race fans and have a great meal to start what we hope will be a great weekend of racing.
The positive attitude and determination of the entire team will carry us through our difficult times as we work to find out what it is that our great hotrod is looking for. The Chevrolet Impala SS/Prostart funny car has tons of power and we just have to find the right way to put it to the ground.
We thank you all for your support and will give you an update Thursday from the new racetrack. A special thanks to Strange Engineering for working with us into the night during Indy-you guys are awesome!
P.S. Keep an eye on the website, we’ll be launching a new line of custom Follow A Dream t-shirts in the next several days.
August 28, 2008
Just Catching Up
Hey everybody!
Wanted to fill you in on what’s been going on in Dream Land. After we finished up the race in Lebanon Valley over 4th of July, the car came back to the shop and we started preparing for the second half of the season, as we were in a bit of a summer break. I took a couple of days off and hung out with my wife, Ann.
All was going well as we were preparing to head to Reading for the Toyo Tires Nationals. The Monday before Reading, I took a fall in the trailer, fell from the second floor to the first floor, split my head open, got a concussion, and an extremely sore knee. As I recovered, the team headed to Reading without me. Won best appearing crew at the event. Many thanks to Champion Systems for the great looking uniforms and all their support of the Follow A Dream Team. Lost in the quarter final round of eliminations and headed home. After the car got back to Massachusetts, the team got together, serviced the car and Ed Parker and I jumped in the rig and headed to Indy for the US Nationals. Got into Indy yesterday afternoon and visited a Texas Roadhouse Restaurant location in Avon, IN last night. We’re excited to get the racing started and look forward to a great weekend. Next Tuesday evening, Sept. 2 we’re going to visit the Texas Roadhouse @ 9111 N. Michigan Road, Indy before heading to Englishtown, NJ for another race next weekend.
This is an extended trip, as we’ll be on the road for the next several weeks. After the race in Englishtown next weekend we head to North Carolina for the Carolina’s Nationals at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord and then on to Nashville, TN to speak at the 2008 SuperTech Competition on behalf of our sponsor Permatex. After that, I think we’re home for a couple weeks.
Stay tuned, as I’ll work on doing a better job of keeping you all updated in the days to come.
Have a great weekend!
Jay
Wanted to fill you in on what’s been going on in Dream Land. After we finished up the race in Lebanon Valley over 4th of July, the car came back to the shop and we started preparing for the second half of the season, as we were in a bit of a summer break. I took a couple of days off and hung out with my wife, Ann.
All was going well as we were preparing to head to Reading for the Toyo Tires Nationals. The Monday before Reading, I took a fall in the trailer, fell from the second floor to the first floor, split my head open, got a concussion, and an extremely sore knee. As I recovered, the team headed to Reading without me. Won best appearing crew at the event. Many thanks to Champion Systems for the great looking uniforms and all their support of the Follow A Dream Team. Lost in the quarter final round of eliminations and headed home. After the car got back to Massachusetts, the team got together, serviced the car and Ed Parker and I jumped in the rig and headed to Indy for the US Nationals. Got into Indy yesterday afternoon and visited a Texas Roadhouse Restaurant location in Avon, IN last night. We’re excited to get the racing started and look forward to a great weekend. Next Tuesday evening, Sept. 2 we’re going to visit the Texas Roadhouse @ 9111 N. Michigan Road, Indy before heading to Englishtown, NJ for another race next weekend.
This is an extended trip, as we’ll be on the road for the next several weeks. After the race in Englishtown next weekend we head to North Carolina for the Carolina’s Nationals at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord and then on to Nashville, TN to speak at the 2008 SuperTech Competition on behalf of our sponsor Permatex. After that, I think we’re home for a couple weeks.
Stay tuned, as I’ll work on doing a better job of keeping you all updated in the days to come.
Have a great weekend!
Jay
July 7, 2008
So Good to Be Home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, it is so nice to be home with the wife and family. You know me, it's nice to be at the track, but after four weeks spanning the globe...or at least Atco, Englishtown, Norwalk and Lebanon Valley. My own bed is sure going to feel nice!!
Talk to you tomorrow,
Jay
Talk to you tomorrow,
Jay
Lebanon Valley
Hi Everyone,
Hope everyone had a great 4th of July. Another weekend of battling weather. After qualifying 5th, we lost in the first round of eliminations when Marty red lit.
Jay
Hope everyone had a great 4th of July. Another weekend of battling weather. After qualifying 5th, we lost in the first round of eliminations when Marty red lit.
Jay
June 30, 2008
Traveling to New York
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
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 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.
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