Kansas City, Mo. ? A new baseball season is under way in a newly renovated Kauffman Stadium. A young man in the spotlight before Tuesday night’s Royals game is also on the brink of a new beginning.

Eudora native and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Chase Austin, 19, was invited to throw out the first pitch at Tuesday’s Royals game, as well as sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

No matter the level of athlete or sport of choice, getting comfortable in new surroundings can be difficult. “I am not used to a lot of grass and being out on it,” said Austin, who is set to race his first professional race at the Kansas Speedway in less than two weeks. “If you usually are on the grass in a race car, you’re not doing very good.”

However, mingling with the Royals players prior to their game with the Cleveland Indians helped Austin feel right at home.

“It would be weird for me if I was on the infield of their racing, seeing the cars speed by,” said Coco Crisp, Royals centerfielder. “It’s nice to have different celebrities come out to the game and it’s nice for us to be able to meet some of those guys.”

Austin has had a tough trip to his Kansas City debut. Through his four year career, he has raced for three different teams and now is hoping that he can make a name for himself during his rookie NASCAR season.

“I am happy to be able to go race in the Kansas Speedway. I have never run there before, so it’s all just exciting and new to me.”

Austin will race in front of a home crowd April 25 at the Kansas Speedway during the O’Reilly Auto Parts 250.