Tia Norfleet_HHUCIT_2013

The National Association of Stock Car Racing (Nascar) has struggled with incorporating diversity, so Tia Norfleet’s emergence was the proverbial blast of electric air. She appeared to be Nascar’s Tiger Woods: Charismatic, attention-grabbing and full of potential. It isn’t often a black woman chooses professional stock-car racing as a career, so the Georgia native was prime for a media blitz. She would draw national attention to the sport’s Drive for Diversity initiative and secure endorsements and sponsorships as well.

Her strategy was successful at first. Norfleet was named the good-will ambassador for the National African-American Drug Policy Coalition Inc. and landed a gig as the spokeswoman for the SafeTeen Georgia Driving Academy at Atlanta Motor Speedway. But a series of troubling discoveries has derailed her ascent in the sport.

The New York Times found several signs indicating Norfleet is a fraud, including her actual accomplishments versus public statements. She told several publications she’s the first and only African-American female driver in Nascar and the Automobile Racing Club of America (Arca), but Norfleet has never raced for either organization. She has never applied to race with Arca or purchased a license from the organization and has never received approval to race for Nascar. In fact, Norfleet’s most notable race to date is the Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, Virginia, where she only finished one lap.

Norfleet’s website indicates placement in Arca’s Daytona International Speedway race, but she didn’t participate in a qualifying test last December. These conflicting accounts of events and Nortfleet’s statements are alarming for Nascar and Arca officials.

“I am uncomfortable with Tia representing herself in the way that she has,” Marcus Jadotte, Nascar’s vice president for public affairs and multicultural development, told The New York Times.

Ron Drager, Arca’s president, agrees.

“It would be inaccurate for her to say that she’s an Arca driver,” he said.

Norfleet is standing firm in her statements to the press.

“I’ve been racing in nonsanctioned races before. I’ve been racing forever. For as long as I can remember. I race in nonsanctioned races,”

she explained to The New York Times.

That is accurate. Norfleet has only participated in are non-sanctioned races, which the New York Times refers to as the “lowest level of stock-car racing.” Racetracks approve drivers for these competitions, so there is no overarching organization issuing regulations.

Jadotte sees this as Norfleet’s attempt to dodge Nascar’s extensive vetting process.

“I am uncomfortable with attempts Ms. Norfleet and her representatives have made to forgo the sport’s development process,” he said in an email to The New York Times.

It doesn’t end there.

According to the the Times, Tia Norfleet is really Shauntia Latrice Norfleet, a 24- or 26-year-old (she won’t confirm her age) with a criminal record in both Virginia and Georgia. The New York Times uncovered court records showing separate convictions for assault and drug-related offenses.

Norfleet can explain that.

“People make mistakes in their life and move forward and make a better way,” she said in a telephone interview. “I think things that I’ve done, people make mistakes, as a child, as a teen, and basically, its things that you may not be proud of but you move forward and you help others.”

None of these allegations are deterring Norfleet’s Nascar aspirations.

“My immediate goal is to become a Nationwide driver. And we’re out here every day building my driving skills and everything else so that I can reach that goal this year.”

Tia refuses to let the smear campaign affect her push to that national stage, taking to her official  Facebook Page to explain:

“I have done a lot of things in my life, some of which I am not proud of which is why I have made it my top priority to reach out to the youth to speak to them about the harsh realities of life and the peer pressures that will surround them. Letting them know that I understand where they are and that they can do more, be better and achieve greatness.

There will always be people that will try their best to tear you down. Life is hard enough even without obstructionist in your way.

I have been giving a wonderful platform and on this platform I intend to do what I set out to do and that is to continue to drive my way to the top of the motorsports world and serve as an example that no matter what obstacles are in your way, you can be better than your past and you can achieve your dreams.

“It’s not where you come from, its where you are going””

I never lied about anything in my career!!! I never said I was a nationwide driver! I said I had dreams of becoming a nationwide driver and ultimately racing in the daytona 500 one day….People say I don’t have a license but in the same sentence say I raced and did a start and park in VA! How can you start and park in a sanctioned nascar race without a license??? I know the truth and Im not bothered by this smear campaign at all!! What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger! Only God knows what I’ve been through and I know he has my back 1000%! “Touch not my annointed” Ps. this reminds me of that state farm commercial….

Calling her a Hoax is a very strong statement. It’s important for everyone not to rush to judgement and let her actions speak for themselves. Now, it’s up to Tia to show and prove. We wish her well.  Visit Tia’s official website at www.tianorfleet34.com  Check out some videos and promo photos below:

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