Steve Byrnes, a popular Fox broadcaster who reported on NASCAR for the last 30 years and whose cancer battle inspired the racing community, died Tuesday. He was 56.
A pit reporter for Sprint Cup Series races and co-host of a weekday NASCAR program, Byrnes joined Fox in 2001 following more than 15 years of working NASCAR races and shows for CBS, TNN, TBS and The History Channel.
After an initial diagnosis of head and neck cancer in August 2013, Byrnes responded well to treatment and returned to his job for the 2014 season. He took a leave of absence in October to battle cancer once again, chronicling his fight on social media.
The Sprint Cup race Saturday at Bristol, Tennessee, was named the Food City 500 In Support of Steve Byrnes and Stand Up To Cancer, a way for the industry to honor Byrnes and give support to those fighting the disease.
"His level of professionalism was matched only by the warmth he showed everyone he met," NASCAR chairman Brian France said in a statement. "He battled cancer with tenacity, and was a true inspiration to everyone in the NASCAR family. Simply stated, we'll miss Steve dearly."
While honoring 2014 Sprint Cup champion Kevin Harvick during a ceremony Tuesday at the White House, President Barack Obama mentioned the passing of Byrnes.
"I also want to offer my condolences to everybody in the NASCAR community on the passing of a legendary reporter and broadcaster, Steve Byrnes," Obama said. "I know a lot of fans' thoughts and prayers today are with his wife, Karen, and his son, Bryson."
Byrnes is also survived by his parents; Bryson is 12.