NASCAR reporter Steve Byrnes Passes Away
Sad news are coming from the United States. Long time NASCAR television reporter and host Steve Byrnes has lost his battle with cancer. Before his passing, Byrnes spent as much time as possible with his wife, Karen, and their son, Bryson.
He began covering NASCAR in 1985 as host of TNN’s “Inside Winston Cup Racing” and also served as a pit reporter for the cable network and CBS. In 2001, he joined the NASCAR on FOX team as a pit reporter, also hosting the weekday show “Totally NASCAR” on FOX Sports Net. He continued covering races for FOX and hosted several shows across SPEED and FOX Sports 1, and in 2014, he was named the play-by-play announcer for FS1’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races. In 2014, Byrnes returned to the FOX NASCAR team to cover his 30th Daytona Speedweeks and continued in his role as host of FOX Sports 1’s “NASCAR Race Hub” until taking a leave of absence last October after a reoccurrence of head-and-neck cancer he was diagnosed with in August 2013. In January, NASCAR named Byrnes to the NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Panel. “It’s an emotional thing for me,” Byrnes said. “My whole adult life has been immersed in NASCAR, and it means the world to me.”
;
Eric Shanks, president and COO, executive producer, FOX Sports said, “We lost a beloved member of the FOX Sports family today, and we extend our prayers and deepest sympathies to the Byrnes family. It was an honor over the past year to learn just how much Steve was loved and respected throughout the NASCAR community, which was evident this weekend in Bristol. Not even day-long heavy rains could dampen the outpouring of emotion on display.”
;
NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France said, “NASCAR extends its condolences to the many friends, FOX Sports colleagues and family of Steve Byrnes. Whether you had the privilege of knowing him or if you watched him on television for the last three decades, Steve’s work ethic and authenticity made him a beloved individual inside and outside the garage. His level of professionalism was matched only by the warmth he showed everyone he met. He battled cancer with tenacity, and was a true inspiration to everyone in the NASCAR family. Simply stated, we’ll miss Steve dearly. Our thoughts are especially with his wife Karen and son Bryson during this difficult time.”
;
Virtually every team and driver has sent his condolences, deeply moved by Byrnes’ passing.
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
RIP @SteveByrnes12. You were a great talent on camera and an amazing person off camera. #ByrnesStrong
— Aric Almirola (@Aric_Almirola) April 21, 2015
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
Steve Byrnes was truly the best. Our deepest condolences to Steve's wife Karen, son Bryson, the Fox Sports family, & everyone Steve touched.
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) April 21, 2015
Godspeed, Steve Byrnes. #ByrnesStrong
— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) April 21, 2015
We’re heartbroken about the passing of our friend Steve Byrnes. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and everyone he touched.
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) April 21, 2015
#ByrnesStrong. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family/friends. Steve will b missed but we are happy that he got to see his race at BMS
— Team Penske (@Team_Penske) April 21, 2015
Our thoughts are with the Byrnes family. Steve was a good friend of the team and the entire racing community will miss him greatly.
— Chip Ganassi Racing (@CGRTeams) April 21, 2015
We are saddened to learn that Steve Byrnes has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all who knew him.
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) April 21, 2015
We are saddened by the passing of Steve Byrnes. Our prayers are with his family. We’re thankful to have known and worked with this great man
— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) April 21, 2015
So sad to hear that @SteveByrnes12 passed away. His last tweet-"I went the distance",You did my friend. Heaven gained a real fighter today!
— Danica Patrick (@DanicaPatrick) April 21, 2015
My thoughts n prayers are with the Byrnes Family. Steve was a great man, and a blessing to all that knew him. He will be greatly missed.
— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) April 21, 2015
Very sad to hear about our friend Steve Byrnes passing today. Huge loss for our racing family. He was one of the best ever! We will miss you
— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) April 21, 2015
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) April 21, 2015
So sorry to hear about Steve, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.#ByrnesStong
— Joey Logano (@joeylogano) April 21, 2015
Very sad day. We lost one of the very best!! RIP @SteveByrnes12 #ByrnesStrong
— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) April 21, 2015
;
Steve Byrnes will be missed by the whole racing community and will be remembered as a beloved man who devoted his whole life and career to NASCAR. Rest in peace you great man.
