Jay continued to focus on his dream of owning a professional racing team even after he met with an accident which left him totally blind and without the senses of smell and taste. His vast experience in drag racing and determination changed his wish into reality. Today he is the proud owner and determined crew chief of one of the top Funny Car teams in the world. He is inspiring others through his “5 Tools for Life Success” presentation at schools, military bases, corporations and charitable events.

What strategies have helped your team to become one of the top Funny Car teams?J: Teamwork has been our best strategy. Having good people, and the right people in the right positions makes things run smoothly and effectively. When everybody is working together, helping each other, and looking out for each other, its hard to beat a good team.

What was your most memorable race to date?J: There have been many incredible, memorable moments. The first one that popped into my head was our win at The World Finals in Pomona California in 2006. The year before we were in Pomona for the World Finals and we lost in The Final Round of Eliminations. When we went back the next year and won it was amazing! I got down on my knees and kissed the starting line as the crowd cheered for our team!

How do you face obstacles in life? What keeps you moving forward?J: I face obstacles with a positive attitude and strong determination that I will conquer whatever problems I encounter. Sometimes it is hard to keep a positive attitude, but you use the determination to get through the negativity. This is not always easy, sometimes it takes you days, weeks, months or even years to conquer an obstacle, but if you give up you will never find success. Remember: You can always reach out and ask for help. Success does not happen alone. Having a schedule and obligations keeps me moving forward, and of course, setting and achieving goals drives me.

Who is your inspiration?J: I gain inspiration from many. The students I speak with inspire me tremendously. I find inspiration in those that have found success in Motorsports, Business, and Music. We have to remember that we all start at the bottom and we have to work our way to success. It is not easy, and it is not always fair, but determination and hard work do eventually pay off.

What are your other hobbies?J: Up until recently my only real hobby was Drag racing. Last summer I began to broaden my horizons. I have since tried tandem bike riding, paddle boarding, canoeing, hiking and riding ATVs. I truly enjoy working with my hands whether it be on mechanical things or wood.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?J: Maple Grove Dragway in Mohnton, PA is my favorite place to visit. The reason I love this place so much is because that is where I decided to form my Racing Team and Non Profit Organization: Follow A Dream. I visited Maple Grove Dragway with some of my friends after a devastating accident left me without sight, taste, or smell. It was at this race that I determined that I was going to follow my dream no matter what obstacles I had to tackle.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?J: I would suggest that they push them to succeed. Let them experience as many things as possible. Do not fear them hurting themselves. The more they explore and experience life the more confident they will become. You cannot be successful without confidence.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who are interested in racing?J: Check out our website at www.followadream.org. The drag racing community is very diverse and welcoming. I suggest that if someone is interested in racing, they should try to go to an NHRA drag race and visit the pits. There they will meet lots of racing enthusiasts that are willing to share a wealth of knowledge about the sport. You can check out Professional Drag racing on Fox Sports, NHRA.tv, or Online.

Any special message for our community?J: Don’t let your fears stop you, let your dreams drive you.