MOORESVILLE, N.C. – NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) driver Austin Wayne Self announced through his AM Racing team that he has partnered with Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Austin, an inner-city youth group as an advocate for the remainder of the 2017 season.
RBI Austin exists to engage and develop inner-city Austin youth athletically, academically and spiritually, empowering them to lead the transformation of their communities.
Self, a native of Austin, Tex. attended an RBI function last month and immediately decided he wanted to partner with RBI Austin not only as an advocate, but as a contributor too.
RBI Austin targets youth and families from Austin’s inner-city communities. RBI Austin currently serves boys and girls ages 4-12, boys from the ages of 13 – 18 and girls 13 – 15. In 2016, RBI Austin served and mentored 853 kids.
“This is something I’m very excited about being a part of,” said Austin Wayne Self, driver of the No. 22 AM Racing Toyota Tundra. “While continuing to do my duty on the race track in our Toyota Tundra, I wanted to find something from my hometown that I not only can be a part of, but continue to give back not only in 2017 but for years to come.”
“I can’t wait to get back down to Austin and spend some time with the kids. We focus on baseball, but it’s an awesome feeling for me when they ask about NASCAR and what we do at AM Racing too.”
All RBI programs are run by local organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs, MLB and Minor League Baseball Clubs, faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, independent baseball / softball organizations, and grassroots organizations. RBI Austin is under the umbrella of local nonprofit, The For the City Network.
Matt Price, Founder and Director for RBI Austin says having a local celebrity like Austin Wayne Self is important in the growth and values of the non-profit organization.
“RBI Austin is thrilled to partner with Austin Self and AM Racing to engage and develop inner-city youth athletically, academically, and spiritually,” Price said. “Every child needs a strong community of support to thrive, and we’re grateful that Austin has chosen to give his time and efforts to help promote the value and importance of mentors in our inner-city communities. “
“We look forward to Austin being a role model and advocate for inner-city kids in Austin and beyond.”
To intertwine the two worlds, AM Racing and RBI Austin will work close together throughout the season with the intent to bring RBI Austin members to a race track – where they’ll be able to explore another world of professional sports – while also bringing further attentiveness to RBI Austin’s mission.
Self, 21, says being a role model is a chance for him to give back for all the blessings he’s received not only in life, but seeing his dream blossom into fruition as a race car driver.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are or how much time you spend with someone – if you make the effort, the fulfilling is irreplaceable. I’ve been called a mentor and even a hero being a race car driver and that’s real cool and all, but if you’re not getting out there and truly making a difference – then none of that matters. I’m proud to be a role model in several ways and look forward to the challenges and blessings that being a part of RBI Austin will bring.”
Crissa Youngblood, a RBI Austin mentor nearly echoed Self’s sentiment.
“I think someone should become a mentor because kids wants somebody in their life,” she said. “You can be their answer, but it will also bless you a lot.”
For more on RBI Austin and how you can pledge your support in a variety of levels, please visit RBIAustin.org.
To learn more information on AM Racing please visit amracingteam.com.
For more on Austin Wayne Self and AM Racing, please visit awsracing.com, like his Facebook page (Austin Wayne Self) or follow him on Twitter @AustinWSelf.
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