FOX Sports NASCAR announcer Steve Byrnes died Tuesday from head and neck cancer. (Twitter)
NASCAR announcer Steve Byrnes died Tuesday from head and neck cancer.
He was 56.
Byrnes had been on medical leave from his job at FOX since last October to get treatment.
This was his second bout with the disease in 2 years.
Byrnes’ birthday was April 14. He spent it in the intensive-care unit in a Charlotte hospital.
Your birthday boy headed back to ICU. Respirartory issues! http://t.co/BKbI2ruodJ
Byrnes was always the optimist, telling NASCAR.com:
I look at it this way, I celebrate every day as a birthday. Some people say, ‘Oh no, another year older.’ To me, that’s a privilege, an absolute privilege.
Here’s what you need to know about Byrnes:
1. Byrnes Had Head & Neck Cancer
(Twitter)
Byrnes was diagnosed with head-and-neck cancer in 2013, and it went into remission in the summer of 2014.
But it returned in October and Byrnes had been on leave since, getting treatment.
Despite his tough battle, Byrnes remained upbeat and was a big user of Twitter. He tweeted this April 16:
Had procedure today to insert tube into lung. Painful but should help long term. Hoping to get out of here (hospital) tomorrow. #Bristol
You can follow him on Twitter @SteveByrnes12.
2. He Was the Lead Host of NASCAR Race Hub on FOX Sports 1
Byrnes with Tony Stewart. (Twitter)
Byrnes handled a variety of jobs at FOX. He is the lead host of NASCAR Race Hub, the daily racing news program on FOX Sports 1.
He was a pit reporter for NASCAR on FOX from 2001-2014 and filled in as a studio host and lap announcer for the network when Chris Myers or Mike Joy weren’t available.
Byrnes was to be the lap-by-lap announcer for the Camping World Truck Series broadcasts.
3. The Food City 500 Was Renamed for Byrnes
Byrnes with racing legend Richard Petty. (Twitter)
Sunday’s spring race at Bristol Motor Speedway got a new name. This year it was called the “Food City 500 in Support of Steve Byrnes and Stand Up to Cancer.”
Byrnes was honored by the renaming, saying in a statement:
The support I have received from my teammates at FOX Sports, drivers, team members, track officials, NASCAR and the fans has been overwhelming. So many families are affected by cancer, and to play a small part in raising awareness is an honor to me.
Steven’s son Bryson participated in the FOX prerace coverage and his dad was watching:
This @SteveByrnes12 decal will be available to @NASCAR teams at @BMSupdates this weekend. #ByrnesStrong #NASCAR http://t.co/hgvqncaekh
4. He Served as a FOX NFL Play-by-Play Man
Byrnes, right, with his son Bryson and Western Carolina football coach Mark Speir. (Twitter)
Byrnes was a huge sports fan, not just NASCAR. He was an avid follower of football and baseball as well.
In fact, he served as a play-by-play announcer in 2006 on select NFL games for FOX. He teamed with analyst Bill Maas.
Byrnes began his sports media career after graduating from the University of Maryland in 1981. His first job was in the Maryland-Washington, D.C. area. He served as a weekend sports producer, covering the Washington Redskins, Washington Bullets, Baltimore Orioles, and Maryland and Georgetown athletics.
He began his NASCAR coverage in 1985.
5. Byrnes Is Survived by His Wife & Son
Byrnes with his wife Karen and son Bryson. (Twitter)
Byrnes was married to wife Karen and they have one son, Bryson, who is 12. The family lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Karen is very active on Twitter (@KarenByrnes) and often tweets about her husband and sports.
Bryson is an athlete himself as he plays football and lacrosse.
Spring football for @BrysonByrnes http://t.co/DdhBZIQJxv
