Wynn's Announces Sponsorship of 'Follow A Dream' Top Alcohol Race Team
AZUSA, Calif., Jan. 8, 2007 -- Wynn's, a division of Illinois Tool Works, Inc., headquartered in Azusa, Calif., has announced an associate sponsorship with Follow A Dream, Inc., in support of the foundation's Top Alcohol Funny Car participating in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Top Alcohol Series in 2007.
Follow A Dream was founded in 1999 by Jay Blake, who was working as head mechanic for a transportation company when he was blinded in an industrial accident. While enrolled in an intensive rehabilitation program, Blake began to follow his dream: owning a professional auto racing team. Turning his dream into a reality, Jay combined his renewed participation in drag racing with his desire to spread his true-life success by inspiring others, both with and without disabilities, to accomplish their goals through the power of positive thinking and self-determination.
"We're extremely excited that a company with the racing heritage of Wynn's has decided to sponsor our efforts," said Blake. "We're proud to be associated with Wynn's and their industry-leading line of automotive specialty products."
The Wynn's-supported Follow A Dream funny car is a 2000 Dodge Avenger, powered by a 526-cubic-inch Hemi engine that produces more than 3,000 horsepower. The car is driven by Dave Ray. For more information about the foundation, log on to www.followadream.org.
Gerry Miles, general manager of Wynn's, said the company is very enthusiastic about this new relationship. "Jay Blake is an inspiration to everyone in the racing business, and Wynn's is honored to be associated with a foundation as well respected as Follow A Dream. I'm looking forward to a very exciting and successful NHRA season in 2007."
During the 2007 racing season, the team plans to participate in 10 races, a combination of five divisional and five national events. The national events include the AC Delco NHRA Gatornationals (Gainesville, Fla.), NHRA Supernationals (Englishtown, N.J.), NHRA Nationals (Norwalk, Ohio), Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals (Mohnton, Pa.), and the NHRA Mac Tools US Nationals (Indianapolis, Ind.). Blake noted that it is likely more races will be added to the schedule.
Wynn's traces its history to 1939 when the original Wynn's Friction Proofing Oil Treatment(R) formula was first developed and introduced to the automotive market. In the 65 years following the introduction of that single product, Wynn's has grown to become a leading worldwide manufacturer and marketer of innovative, groundbreaking automotive specialty chemicals and service equipment, as well as Complete Automotive Maintenance Programs. For more information, log on to www.wynnsusa.com.
2007 Follow A Dream Racing Schedule:
March 15-18 Gainesville Raceway AC Delco NHRA
Gainesville, Fla. Gatornationals
May 4-6 Virginia Motorsports Park NHRA Lucas Oil Div. 1
Div. 1 Petersburg, Va. Drag Racing Series
May 25-27 Maple Grove Raceway NHRA Lucas Oil Div. 1
1 Mohnton, Pa. Drag Racing Series
June 15-17 Atco Raceway NHRA Lucas Oil Div. 1
Atco, N.J. Drag Racing Series
June 21-24 Old Bridge Township NHRA Supernationals
Raceway Park
Englishtown, N.J.
June 28-July 1 Norwalk Raceway Park NHRA Nationals
Norwalk, Ohio
July 6-8 Lebanon Valley Dragway NHRA Lucas Oil Div. 1
W. Lebanon, N.Y. Drag Racing Series
August 16-19 Maple Grove Raceway Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals
Mohnton, Pa.
August 29-Sept. 3 O'Reilly Raceway Park NHRA Mac Tools US
Indianapolis, Ind. Nationals
September 7-9 Old Bridge Township NHRA Lucas Oil Div. 1
Raceway Park Drag Racing Series
Englishtown, N.J.