After a championship Legends season in 2020, it’s time to take the next step in my NASCAR journey. I’m excited to announce I’m teaming up with Mike Darne Racing of Mooresville, North Carolina for the 2021 late model stock car season. I’ll be joining my good friend Conner Jones, as well as late model/ARCA driver Mason Diaz, on the MDR team. I couldn’t ask for better team mates. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be learning from MDR’s hands-on team owner Mike Darne, one of the best driver/ coaches in the business. Expecting great things when I hit the track in the brand new #59 next month. Schedule to come. If you would like to see your company logo in victory lane with me, sponsorship inquiries and info available on the sponsor page.
ROLLBACK WEEKEND WITH SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, YOUNG AND BLACK IN NASCAR
Next week I head to North Carolina to start late model racing preps, the next step in my racing journey. But this weekend was a rollback weekend on Matter of Fact TV with Soledad O’Brien, looking at NASCAR and the issue of diversity. If you didn’t catch the story this past summer, take a look now at my conversation with Joie Chen about what it takes to climb the NASCAR ladder as a young black man
Blake Inspires The Class Of 2028 To Reach For Their Dreams ( see video clips below)
In June, Blake will graduate as a member of the Wellesley High School class of 2021, but this week he got to inspire some future graduates, the WHS class of 2028, at his elementary alma mater, The Schofield School in Wellesley, MA. He talked via ZOOM with 5th grade students and Principal Gerardo Martinez about his racing journey and using the principles of “Growth Mindset” to pursue their passions. That includes, start by setting small goals for yourself, never forget the power of yet, (I may not be able to do this yet, but eventually I will) and always ask for help. Blake also spoke about diversity, and his mission to empower kids of color, to reach for their dreams. Lastly, Blake gave students some advice on how to handle bullies and doubters who may try to step on their dreams. Blake enjoyed his virtual look back through the halls of Schofield and said it was great to be back in the principal’s office (for a good reason!) after all these years. What a Blast!
Growth Mindset
Battling Bullies
Empowering Kids of Color
Blake’s Back in the Principal’s Office after 7 years
Daytona Inspiration Times Ten
Blake took home some great racing inspiration from his trip to Daytona this week. Everything from seeing his racing role model Michael McDowell win the 500 ( what an amazing example of endurance and perseverance) to meeting with his new team and backers, and finally, accepting (Thank you Lynne Carr !) a helmet that was worn in and signed by many iconic members of the 2007 Honda Grand Prix racing team that included Marco Andretti, Danica Patrick, Dario Franchitti and others. The momentum is building for Blake in 2021. Stay tuned for a major announcement about his upcoming season.
Racing Strong
Wheeling a late-model stock car around a quarter mile track at 140 miles per hour in 100 degree heat takes stamina, endurance and strength. Even in those conditions, drivers must have lightning fast reflexes to make split-second decisions. In the off season, training doesn’t stop. And in fact, that’s when Blake puts even more focus on getting his mind and body ready for the upcoming race season. Eating healthy, training hard and developing mental toughness are front and center right now for Blake. Blake maintains a strict workout regimen with his coach @Athletist Keith Alpert each week, which will continue straight through the race season. Blake is definitely ready and can’t wait for the season to start. Bring it!
NEW GEAR, NEW CAR, NEW TEAM FOR BLAKE IN THE NEW YEAR !
Blake is using the off-season to gear up for some exciting changes in the 2021 racing season. This week he paid a visit to HMS Motorsports for a helmet upgrade and some other new gear. A big shoutout to Cody at HMS for all his help. Stay tuned for more details as Blake makes his move in 2021.
The SSO Top5 Champion Looking Toward a Fast Future? Stay Tuned in 2021
Despite the competition, 2020 Summer Shootout Champion Blake Lothian put down some of the fastest times during the Rev/NASCAR D4D late model testing at Hickory Motor Speedway this Fall. Blake was wheelin’ it around that track. Could this be the future ? Stay tuned in 2021
Blakes talks about Racing4ACure Wed 10/11 4PM EST
BLAKE SPORTS THE PINK AND PARTNERS WITH NBCF IN OCTOBER IN THE RACE FOR A CURE
This month Blake is partnering with the National Breast Cancer Foundation to fight this terrible disease that robs families of mothers, grandmothers, sisters and others. Please consider going to Blake’s Race for A Cure page to give. Donate here
A Day At The Races
Like any sport, racing takes skill, hard work, determination and a little luck that your equipment performs perfectly and things go your way. Last year at Anderson Motor Speedway in South Carolina Blake and his #59 car were performing at peak levels, then in the last lap the crash happened. This year Blake returned to Anderson for the first time since that crash. Videographer Sam Frasier chronicles just what a day at the races is like for a driver
Videographer: Sam Frasier
