While Steve Byrnes was battling cancer, there was a remarkable outpouring of support from the racing community, ranging from this past weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway being renamed the “Food City 500 in Support of Steve Byrnes” to Roger Penske’s IndyCar team displaying their support during the same weekend’s Grand Prix of Long Beach.
With the news on Tuesday that Byrnes succumbed to his illness at age 56, Byrnes’ legacy reached all the way to the White House. During an event to honor 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick, President Obama took a moment to offer his condolences. Of Byrnes, Obama said “I know a lot of fans’ thoughts and prayers today are with his wife, Karen, and his son, Bryson.”
Racing stars from Richard Petty to Dale Earnhardt, Jr., were among countless persons in the racing community to issue statements, tweet their condolences, or speak to the media.
It is not surprising that Brynes’ illness and passing engendered both widespread support and heartfelt condolences. He was well-liked throughout the racing community not only for his professionalism but also for his winning personality and upbeat attitude – the latter of which he demonstrated throughout his fight against the cancer that ultimately claimed him.
What is surprising is that all these expressions of concern and loss have been directed toward a person who was not a driver or car owner or mechanic or engineer. Steve Byrnes was a broadcaster, a racing reporter who established himself on the old SPEED TV channel and who continued to bring racing into the homes of viewers when SPEED became FOX Sports.
Only rarely do racing reporters and announcers earn admiration from those they cover. Far more rarely does a racing broadcaster command respect from a sitting US President.
But such was Steve Byrnes.