NASCAR drivers David Starr and Chase Austin throw out first pitch

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver David Starr and rookie Chase Austin threw out the first pitch at the Kansas City Royals game on April 14. The announced attendance of the game was 11,746.

Both Starr and Austin signed autographs and met with fans during the early innings of the game. They also led the crowd in Take Me Out to the Ballgame from the Royals dugout during the seventh inning stretch. Austin, from Eudora, Kansas, had family and friends in the stands.

Austin and Starr also met with players during batting practice including Mark Teahen, Mike Jacobs and Manager Trey Hillman, where they talked about racing and found motivation for the first pitch.

“This was my first pitch in a professional ballgame. David has previous experience, so I was pretty nervous and focused. But we made it across homeplate and into the catcher’s mit, which is what matters,” said Austin. “Man, this is just awesome, and there are a couple race fans on the team, which is cool.”

Both will be back in Kansas City next week for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 250 on Saturday, April 25. Also see the IndyCar Series Road Runner Turbo Indy 300 on Sunday, April 26. Ticket packages are still on sale, which includes these races and the NASCAR Nationwide Series Kansas Lottery 300 and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Price Chopper 400 presented by Kraft Foods, October 3 – 4, 2009.