Bobby Norfleet facts for kids

Robert Norfleet (born July 7, 1958), known as Bobby Norfleet, is an American former professional racing driver. He has competed in many types of racing. These include motorcycle racing, drag racing with special cars, and stock car racing. He even tried to race in big series like the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the ARCA Re/Max Series.

Bobby Norfleet's Racing Journey

Early NASCAR Attempts

In the year 2000, Bobby Norfleet wanted to start his own team. He planned to drive in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He needed sponsors to help pay for his team. Brian France, who was a NASCAR Vice President at the time, tried to help him. He called companies that might be interested in sponsoring a race team. Norfleet eventually found sponsors like 40 Street Records.

Bobby Norfleet tried to qualify for his first race at Martinsville Speedway. However, he was not fast enough to make it into the race.

First NASCAR Race

Norfleet made his first NASCAR start at the Portland International Raceway. This was a road course race. He raced against another driver named Bill Lester there. Norfleet's qualifying speed was slower than the fastest drivers. But he still made it into the race because there were enough open spots.

He finished the race in 32nd place. He had some trouble with his truck's handling. NASCAR also showed him a "black flag" three times. This means he was told to speed up because he was too slow. Bill Lester finished that race in 24th place.

Challenges and Changes

For the next race at Pikes Peak International Raceway, NASCAR officials did not let Norfleet race. This was because he was not approved to race on tracks longer than one mile. NASCAR has rules that drivers must show they can race well on smaller tracks first. Or they need experience on bigger tracks in other racing series.

After this, Norfleet stopped racing in NASCAR. He did not try to race again in that series.

After His Driving Career

Bobby Norfleet returned to NASCAR in 2005, but as a car owner. His team, Bobby Norfleet Racing, entered a car in a Busch Series race. The driver was Mike Harmon. They tried to qualify for a race at Memphis Motorsports Park. However, they did not make it into that race.

Norfleet had plans for his team to race in more series in 2006. These included the Busch Series and the NEXTEL Cup Series. But his team did not enter any races that year.

Bobby Norfleet's Life Today

Bobby Norfleet has a daughter named Tia Norfleet. She also wanted to become a NASCAR driver. Tia raced in one event in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. She made history by becoming the first African American female to get a NASCAR license.

Today, Bobby Norfleet lives in central New Jersey. He coaches young athletes there. He shares the important lessons he learned from his own racing career.