Steve Byrnes, longtime NASCAR broadcaster, died Tuesday at age 56 following a two-year battle with cancer.
On behalf of the Byrnes family, it is with profound sadness we relay the news that Steve Byrnes passed away today at the age of 56.
— Megan Englehart (@MeganFOXSports) April 21, 2015MORE: Drivers show support for Byrnes in video
NASCAR paid tribute to Byrnes by re-naming Sunday’s race at Bristol the Food City 500 in Support of Steve Byrnes and Stand Up To Cancer.
Byrnes, who joined Fox Spots in 2001, was deeply moved by the gesture.
"The support I have received from my teammates at FOX Sports, drivers, team members, track officials, NASCAR and the fans has been overwhelming," Byrnes said last week. "So many families are affected by cancer, and to play a small part in raising awareness is an honor to me.
"So many fans reach out to me with personal stories about cancer,'' Byrnes added. "Just today, I got one from a three-time head-and-neck survivor, telling me, 'You can do it.' So many people have shared heart-warming stories or have questions for me because they are at the beginning of their journey. I read every one."
NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France issued the following statement upon hearing the news of Byrnes' death.
"Simply stated, we’ll miss Steve dearly." NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France on the passing Steve Byrnes. pic.twitter.com/rbkzMuH0xU
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 21, 2015“From the very beginning of NASCAR on FOX, Steve Byrnes was one of the linchpins of the broadcast team. His passion for the sport — his passion for everyone involved with the sport — shone through week in and week out," Fox Senior Executive Vice President David Hill said in a statement. "… Steve was loved and respected by the entire NASCAR community, from the drivers to the team owners to the front office executives."
Byrnes had been a broadcast journalist for more than 30 years. He Fox Sports in 2001, hosting and reporting for multiple NASCAR programs and serving as a pit reporter for Fox's Sprint Cup telecasts from 2001-2014. He also called play-by-play for occasional NFL games on Fox and worked over the years for CBS, TBS, TNN and other networks.
Byrnes is survived by his wife, Karen, and his son, Bryson, 12.
His passing was felt throughout the NASCAR community.
My hope is Steve was able to see how much he was loved & appreciated by so many. Rest easy friend. Prayers to his family. #ByrnesStrong
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) April 21, 2015
So hard to hold back the tears and emotion.. You were such a great man and amazing father.. Fun co-worker and the best friend #ByrnesStrong
— Elliott Sadler (@Elliott_Sadler) April 21, 2015
Even President Obama mentioned Byrnes' passing while honoring Kevin Harvick's championship team at the White House Tuesday afternoon.
It isn't when born or when passed-it's all about what you did in "the dash" and @SteveByrnes12 just defined "the dash" in my book
— Steve O'Donnell (@odsteve) April 21, 2015
Class move by @BarackObama mentioning the passing of @SteveByrnes12 and offering condolences to his family
— Steve O'Donnell (@odsteve) April 21, 2015