Achieving the Dream Tia Norfleet "First African American Female" Licensed by NASCAR

Shauntia Norfleet daughter of former NASCAR driver Bobby Norfleet is a second generation NASCAR car driver. Tia is also the "First African American Female" driver licensed by NASCAR as a professional late model series driver. It is well documented that NASCAR is a sport that lacks growth in diversity, predominately dominated by white males. So it’s rare when you look over in lane 4 or 5 and see professional race car athletes like Tia sitting in her #34 Chevy, revving up her engine. 

Tia started racing at the tender age of 14 performing in Kart Racing events and then continuing her young career in drag racing winning 37 of her 52 competing events.  In 2000 Tia switched from drag racing to stock car competitions participating in Badolero racing events. Bandolero racing events feature young athletes ages 8- 16 competing on 1/4 mile, 3/8 mile and 4/10 mile courses and dirt tracks.

Then in 2010 under the guidance of her father Bobby, Tia became the first female African American driver to receive a NASCAR late model racing license. Her first late model competitions took place in local events in Augusta GA. While this should be a cherished moment for a young female athlete who now resides in Atlanta GA the home of the civil rights movement, many news reports have been placed to discredit her hard working achievements.

In a New York Times article published March 6th 2013 and conducted by Viv Bernstein points out the following in her article. "In speaking engagements with students and in news media interviews, Norfleet has for several years portrayed herself as an accomplished driver in the sport. She has sought sponsorships and has a PayPal account on her Web site, which includes articles and videos about her achievements." What NYT reporter Bernstein does not point out is the fact that, Bernstein has harassed and called several principals at these schools for having Tia participating in speaking engagements. What kind of reporter goes out of their way to find out what schools an athlete will be conducting awareness and empowerment speeches to encourage students and then harasses the principals and school officials? What reporter calls news organizations and belittles them for attempting to conduct articles, follow-up stories, and interviews with Norfleet?

Next the Bernstein writes "Her Web site, Tianorfleet34.com, indicates that she intends to compete in a full schedule this season in Nascar’s Nationwide Series, one rung below the top-tier Sprint Cup series. But Norfleet is not licensed to compete at that level." I believe looking up the definition of the word intends/intent is to Have (a course of action) as one's purpose or objective; plan: as in "we intend to leave". So yes Norfleet intends to race or participate in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Notice this is a NASCAR event used as a proving ground for NASCAR licensed drivers to move up into the ranks of the big league racing. This is a great event for a late model series racer such as Norfleet to compete in and move up the ranks of NASCAR. Last sentence “But Norfleet is not licensed to compete at that level" Bernstein's comment does not reflect or prove in any way that Norfleet does not have a license. It simply states that she is not licensed to compete at that level. So Norfleet does have a license huh, just not at that level, but can she obtain a license at that level, and Norfleet has the intentions to obtain a license at that level. 

Remember we all start somewhere in life, most as entry level workers or assistants in our everyday job. Because one is an assistant or entry level manager it does not mean you’re not a manager. It simply means that you are a manager in training or a manager looking to achieve at the next level. There may be some other qualifications you need in order to achieve that ultimate goal.

Norfleet is simply taking the steps, to achieve her ultimate goal, she has held qualifications for a NASCAR license since 2010 and she is the first African American Female to obtain a NASCAR license at any level in the sport of NASCAR racing.  Viv Bernstein is what we call a hater, a reporter who has tried to shutter mud at an historic figure in the African American community. One who according to those close to Norfleet tried to conduct an interview over two years ago and due to Bernstein's interviewing comments and harsh tone failed to complete that very same interview. Now Bernstein works for NYT and has used her position to spew discouraging remarks and statements about Norfleet.

Instead of following the ways of hatred and continuing with her remarks I ask all reporters and news outlets to look further into this matter before writing, printing or taking to the airwaves to continue with Bernstein's attacks. Remember we all start off somewhere at some level in life.  Congratulations to Ms. Tia Norfleet you are a symbol that through hard work and perseverance nothing should ever stop us from achieving our ultimate goal.  

To learn more about Tia Norfleet check out the following helpful websites and articles:
Tia Norfleet official website: http://www.tianorfleet34.com/
OurTown News Stone Mountain GA http://www.ourtown.com/stonemountainga/article/2011/9/16/nascars-up-and-coming.html
Official Tia Norfleet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tianorfleet

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