Jay Blake

Jay Blake is the world’s only totally blind crew chief in motorsports, a motivational speaker, and founder of the Follow A Dream nonprofit organization. After an industrial accident in 1997 at age 31 robbed him of his sight, smell, and taste, Jay refused to give up. Instead, he returned to his passion—drag racing—and in 2012 became the NHRA East Region champion as a crew chief, competing at the highest levels of motorsports despite being completely blind. He’s exclusively represented by Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau.

Jay Blake delivers keynotes centered on his “Five Tools for Your Life’s Toolbox” message: positive attitude, education, passion, determination, and teamwork. His presentations cover overcoming adversity, resilience, goal setting, team building, and turning obstacles into opportunities. He draws directly from his experiences in the motorsports world and his journey from devastating accident to championship success.

What makes Jay extraordinary is that he’s not just talking about overcoming challenges—he’s actively competing at the highest levels of motorsports as a completely blind crew chief. He has 25+ years of drag racing experience and has expanded into nitro Funny Car racing, one of the most demanding categories in the sport. When Jay speaks about perseverance and teamwork, he’s drawing from real experiences that few people on the planet have lived.

Audiences leave Jay’s presentations with renewed perspective on their own challenges and practical tools they can apply immediately. His “Five Tools for Your Life’s Toolbox” provides a memorable framework for maintaining a positive attitude, continuing to learn, pursuing passions, staying determined, and building effective teams. Attendees are inspired to stop making excuses and start finding solutions.

Jay Blake speaks at corporate conferences, sales kickoffs, leadership summits, safety meetings, team building events, and association gatherings. His message resonates with audiences across all industries—from manufacturing and automotive to healthcare and financial services. Organizations looking to inspire their teams with an authentic story of resilience and achievement find Jay’s message powerfully impactful.

Jay founded the Follow A Dream nonprofit organization in 1999, two years after his accident. The organization’s mission is to inspire people to pursue their dreams regardless of obstacles. Through Follow A Dream, Jay has shared his message with countless audiences while also supporting initiatives that help others overcome their own challenges. The nonprofit embodies the very principles Jay teaches—turning adversity into purpose.

Yes. Jay tailors his presentations to connect with each specific audience. Whether he’s speaking to a manufacturing company about workplace safety and perseverance, a sales team about determination and teamwork, or healthcare professionals about helping patients overcome challenges, he adapts his motorsports stories and life lessons to resonate with the particular group he’s addressing.

Yes. Jay Blake is available for both in-person and virtual keynote presentations. His compelling story and engaging delivery translate effectively to virtual formats, and he can deliver impactful virtual keynotes or recorded video messages depending on your event’s needs.

Jay Blake’s speaking fee varies depending on the event format, location, and specific requirements. To get an exact quote, contact Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau by calling 973-313-9800, emailing info@eaglestalent.com, or completing the “Check Availability” form on his profile page.

Jay Blake is exclusively represented by Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau. To check his availability or request a quote, call 973-313-9800, email info@eaglestalent.com, or visit his speaker profile at EaglesTalent.com and complete the booking inquiry form.