The Follow A Dream Team

Harry "Jay" Blake, Founder and President

Jay Blake is the founder and president of Follow A Dream. As crew chief of the organization's Alcohol Funny Car , he is the only totally blind crew chief in the worldwide sport of auto racing. Jay's passion for cars and racing extends well back to his youth. He has more than 15 years experience as a professional auto mechanic and more than 20 years in drag racing, including as a crew member and crew chief on a Super Comp Dragster racing team. Along with performing the majority of mechanical work, Jay is responsible for the organization's management, operations and community outreach programs.

TAFC Driver-Todd Veney

Todd Veney has been racing since 1995, when he formed his own Alcohol Funny Car team and reached a final in his second start, at the IHRA SpringNationals in Bristol, TN. Advancing to NHRA competition in 2000, he was a finalist in Memphis, Tenn., in his national event debut and eventually earned two more final-round appearances and five in divisional competition driving for other teams. In 2004, Todd followed his lifelong dream of fielding his own NHRA team with his dad, former world champion driver Ken Veney, who was voted one of the Top 50 drivers in NHRA history. Together, they won Todd’s first NHRA title at the 2006 Lucas Oil Series event in Columbus, Ohio. Todd was born in Hollywood, Calif., in 1965 and grew up in Torrance, Calif., and Wadsworth, Ohio. He graduated from The University of Akron with a public-relations degree in 1988 and is a free-lance writer.

Tuner - Tom Howell

As the tuner for Follow A Dream, Tom Howell brings 15+ years experience as a professional technician and crew chief in drag racing. Tom is responsible for all tuning decisions and data analysis of the racecar, and collaborates with Jay on routine service of the car. Tom won a championship with Don Florence Motorsports and crew chiefed for Paul Femino’s Blue Chip IHRA Funny Car. Tom’s experience also includes working with Marc Rowe Race Cars, and serving as crew chief of super modifieds as well as off-shore racing boats. Tom is self- employed through T. Howell Lettering and holds a degree in graphic arts.

Co-Crew Chief - James C. Blake

Jim Blake is vice president and treasurer of Follow A Dream. Jim has 28 years of racing experience including multiple top ten finishes in the New England Points Series. In 1987 Jim debuted what would become the World's Quickest Clean Air Dragster, powered by propane. In 1993 Jim was awarded "The Sportsman of the Year Award", by his fellow racers. Jim assists his brother Jay with managing Follow A Dream and is a full-time manager for Eastern Propane & Oil in Danvers, MA.

Clutch Specialist-Charlie Mitchell

Charlie attended his first drag race in 1977, and has been involved in drag racing ever since. In 1984 Charlie founded CJM Transmissions, where he built transmissions and rear ends for street rods and racecars. Charlie has also worked with Follow A Dream tuner Tom Howell on Paul Femino's Blue Chip IHRA Funny Car. Charlie is a graduate of ITT Technical Institute and is an engineer at Lab Medical Manufacturing in Billerica, MA.

Machinist-Alan Hadfield

Alan Hadfield, is a machinist and crew member for the Follow A Dream Team. He brings 20+ years experience with him. As a mechanic, Alan has the diversity needed for consistent operation and maintenance making him a good choice to be a strong support for the team. Alan is a long time supporter and crew chief for his son’s Junior Dragster, “The Cape Codder Junior.” Alan has participated in many regional drag racing events as well as the Junior Dragsters National’s in Maryland.

Lower End Technician-Scott Osborn

Scott is owner and operator of Wide Load Engineering, a company specializing in custom automotive restoration and fabrication service geared towards repair and research and development. Scott joined the Follow A Dream Team in 2004. He graduated with a degree in Welding Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, MA.

Crew Member- Joe Mitchell

Joe attended his first drag race in 1991 with his father Charlie Mitchell and has been a fan of racing ever since. Joe first began working on racecars in 2002, where he worked with his father on Paul Femino’s Blue Chip IHRA Funny Car for several years, learning the fundamentals of a Top Alcohol Funny Car. Joe is a big hockey fan and plays in a league with friends during his down time. Joe is a truck driver for National Copier Logistics.

Clutch Assistant - Mark Reardon

Mark has had an interest in cars since he was sixteen years old, painting, fixing and building them to go faster. His background includes working as an auto technician for twenty years, and he is currently an auto damage appraiser for a major insurance company. Mark also has a passion for music and entertainment and is the owner of Happy Time Productions, a mobile DJ service. He and his daughter Katie joined the Dream Team in 2004.

Engine/Fluids-Mike Lupo

Mike has been involved in drag racing as an owner/driver of his own Super Comp dragster for years, and as a crewman for Terry McMillen’s Amalie Instigator Alcohol Funny Cars. Mike is in charge all fluids in the racecar and works with crew member Scott “Ozzie” Osborn on the engine between rounds.

Crew Member-Scott Spencer

Scott is the newest member of the Dream Team, a young automotive technician who works just a few doors down from the Follow A Dream shop. Scott, is a recent graduate of the Upper Cape Cod Technical School and is going on the road with the team in 2010. When not working, Scott enjoys off roading and spending time with his girlfriend Marybeth.

Team Chef-Rich Fenwick

Rich has fifteen years experience as the owner, engine builder, and driver of his own Alcohol Funny Car in both the NHRA and IHRA divisions, having raced throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Rich also has ten years experience in the culinary arts including teaching and owning/operating several eateries. Rich has twenty years experience in new home building and remodeling.

Transporter Maintenance-Mitch Sullivan

One of the newest members of the Follow A Dream Team, Mitch donates his time to maintain and keep the transport vehicles running smoothly. Mitch has spent his career working in the trucking industry, having owned his own business for eleven years and currently works for Cape Cod Aggregates as shop foreman and safety director. Mitch’s love of fast cars is evident, as he presently owns a 1970 Z-28 Pro Street Camaro and a ’34 Five Window Coupe.

Transport Driver-Ed Parker

Ed is the one guy on the team who could do anyone else’s job-driver the car, build it, tune it, or maintain it. Ed first raced in 1963 and has campaigned numerous cars through the years, the best known of which is the “Cape Codder” Alcohol Funny Car that he currently competes with. Aside from safely transporting Jay’s operation to races and events around the country, he services the car from one end to the other when on the road.

Office Manager – Terri Donlon

Terri brings many years of business experience to Follow A Dream, having worked in the corporate sector for most of her professional career. With a background in business administration/client services, Terri provides the support necessary to keep the organization’s office running smoothly.