“My purpose is to be living proof that anything can be done as long as you believe in it wholeheartedly.” -Tia Norfleet
The daughter of African American NASCAR driver, Bobby Norfleet, Tia Norfleet is definitely trying to create her own lane in history. With racing in her bloodline, she is determined to be the first (Black) lady of NASCAR.
Being introduced to racing at the young age of 5 and making the decision to pursue it professionally during her early teen years, Norfleet definitely has a tough road ahead of her. Breaking into racing takes a lot of money – money that Norfleet neither has nor comes from. NASCAR is a sponsor-driven sport and most racers already come from wealthy backgrounds, so raising the funds is a piece of cake for them. Unfortunately, not so much for Norfleet, despite her father being a NASCAR driver.
Tia Norfleet is still on track to becoming the first African American woman NASCAR racer. While she is currently seeking the financial support needed to break the NASCAR barrier, she seems to be keeping her eyes on the prize, while making a name for herself in the public eye, despite controversy in the past.
Ultimately, she wants to win the Daytona 500, create her own race team and open a motorsports school for underprivileged drivers.
As we all know with any barriers that need to be broken, the course is never easy, it will be uncomfortable and it’s definitely unpopular. The haters will hate and the naysayers will say. However, MMR! commends Tia Norfleet on her resilient efforts and we look forward to seeing more from her in the near future!
