Bobby saw the sheer importance of this firsthand through his own career and has in turn educated his daughter the right way. “She understands what not to do,” he says. “She understands who not to be around and the nightmares of the sport. She understands that this is a business like any other business.”
Of course in racing, you can do all of the right things and it just takes but one instance — just one split second — for it all to slip away. With the risk of concussions, spinal injuries and even fatality, this is one of the most dangerous professions a person can choose. Car-accident-advice.com clearly states that: “NASCAR Safety Regulations do not always prevent accidents at race tracks.” The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has had 56 deaths alone, so merely understanding safety equipment doesn’t guarantee safety.
For Tia though, the fear factor simply doesn’t exist. “I don’t focus on getting hurt,” she says. “I don’t pay attention to the crashes. I believe in God and that everything happens for a reason. I say my prayers, I thank him and I just go for what I know.” Safety is a vital element to any driver, really. But in the case of Tia and her father, it plays even more of a role. Bobby is quick to point out that while she is his driver (for Bobby Norfleet Racing), she’s also his child, and that he always errs on the side of caution when possible. “We still have the father daughter,” he says.
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