Meet Jay – The Blind Mechanic Behind Some of America’s Fastest Cars

When Jay Blake lost his sight, smell, and taste in a forklift accident at 31, his life changed forever. But instead of letting that stop him, Jay decided to pursue his lifelong dream: building a championship-winning NHRA drag racing team. Today, as the founder and president of “Follow a Dream”, he’s living proof that barriers can be broken, and that no one achieves success alone.

Jay often shares his “five tools for your life’s toolbox”: positive attitude, education, passion, determination, and teamwork. These principles fuel both his racing team’s victories and his personal journey. With more than 20 race wins and two championships under his belt, Jay has shown the racing world that vision isn’t limited to eyesight.

And at the heart of his message is a simple but powerful reminder:

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help, because none of us find success alone.”

For Jay, asking for assistance has been made easier with Be My Eyes, which he describes as an “incredible tool.” From setting his washing machine to identifying wiring colors in the race shop, Jay relies on volunteers from around the world to lend a hand through the app. Even when the tasks involve technical details, Jay’s ability to guide volunteers ensures he gets exactly the support he needs.

Be My Eyes has even saved Jay from more than a few surprises. One memorable moment came when he was unboxing a brand-new barbecue grill by himself. Something didn’t feel quite right, so he opened the app and connected with a volunteer. To his shock, the volunteer described what they saw: thousands of ants crawling inside the box. What could have been an unpleasant (and overwhelming) discovery on his own turned into a story he now shares with humor and gratitude, proof of just how valuable an extra set of eyes can be in unexpected situations.

Jay’s story is a reminder that resilience, teamwork, and a willingness to ask for help can turn life’s toughest challenges into opportunities.

On and off the racetrack, he proves that independence doesn’t mean doing everything alone.