October 30, 2014 - UTI-Exton Welcomes Racing’s Only Totally Blind Race Crew Chief to Campus
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Students had the opportunity to meet with Jay Blake, racing’s only totally blind race crew chief, during an on-campus presentation at Universal Technical Institute’s Exton campus on October 1, 2014. |
Universal Technical Institute in Exton welcomed Jay Blake, racing’s only totally blind race crew chief, to campus for a day-long meet-and-greet on Wednesday, October 1. Blake spent the day on campus sharing his inspirational story of how he turned a tragedy into his lifelong dream occupation.
Although fans can often spot him in the race track pit alongside his crew re-assembling parts in the heat of the moment, Blake can’t actually see what he is working on. More than 15 years ago, while working on a car, a forklift wheel and tire assembly exploded in Blake’s face, leaving him completely blind. Rather than letting tragedy stand in his way, he used the life-altering experience as an opportunity to inspire others to reach their dreams and demonstrate that nothing is impossible.
“Jay’s visit is one our campus looks forward to every year. Through recounting his own personal narrative, he bestows upon students and staff a sense of determination and resilience and serves as motivation for us all to follow our dreams,” said Bob Kessler, campus president at UTI-Exton.
Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to shake hands with the man considered by many to be an expert in racing. While he himself doesn’t race, he can take apart and put back together the engine of his Top Ten Points Alcohol Funny Car based solely on memory and touch. Students and instructors stood by as Blake demonstrated his incredible capabilities.
In addition to touring the country to share his motivational story with others, Blake serves as crew chief and drag race captain for his team, “Follow a Dream,” named after the non-profit organization he started. Through this organization, Blake draws upon his own personal experience of overcoming adversity and his passion for NHRA drag racing to demonstrate the power of positive thinking, self-determination and teamwork.
“Life is a journey and I’m along for the ride, continuing to pick up speed,” Blake told the students before leaving them with a final request to figure out what motivates them and go after their own dreams.
