Steve Byrnes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Steve Byrnes
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Byrnes at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2014
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| Born |
Steven Patrick Byrnes
April 14, 1959 |
| Died | April 21, 2015 (aged 56) |
| Alma mater | University of Maryland |
| Occupation | Television host, producer, pit reporter |
| Years active | 1982–2014 |
| Employer | Fox Sports |
| Spouse(s) |
Karen (née Goins)
(m. 1992) |
| Children | 1 |
Steven Patrick Byrnes (born April 14, 1959 – died April 21, 2015) was an American television announcer and producer. He was known for his work in sports, especially NASCAR racing.
After finishing college, Steve started his career as a sports producer. He covered many teams in the NFL. In 1985, he began working with auto racing, which became a big part of his life. He joined NASCAR on Fox in 2001 as a pit reporter. Later, he became the host of NASCAR Race Hub on Speed and Fox Sports 1.
In October 2014, Steve had to take a break from work. He was diagnosed with cancer again. He sadly passed away on April 21, 2015, at age 56 in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
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Steve Byrnes' Early Life
Steven Patrick "Steve" Byrnes was born on April 14, 1959. He was born in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in New Carrollton, Maryland. Steve was the oldest of five children in his family.
He went to Largo High School. He graduated in 1977. While there, he played football as a quarterback. He was also a pitcher on the baseball team. After high school, he attended the University of Maryland. He graduated from college in 1981. During his last year, he worked as an intern for a TV station in Washington.
Steve Byrnes' TV Career
Steve Byrnes started his TV career right after college. His first job was as a weekend sports producer. He covered many sports teams. These included the Washington Redskins and the Baltimore Orioles. He also covered college teams like Maryland and Georgetown.
In November 1982, Steve got his first chance to be on TV. He was hired at a station called WCIV in South Carolina. He worked there as a sports reporter. He also anchored the weekend news until January 1985.
Working with NASCAR
After WCIV, Steve joined Sunbelt Video. He hosted a NASCAR show called Inside Winston Cup. He worked with Ned Jarrett on this show. This was the start of his long career in NASCAR. He reported from the pit road for World Sports Enterprises. He also worked for other TV channels like TBS and CBS.
From 2001 to 2014, Steve was a pit reporter for Fox NASCAR. He would report on what was happening in the pit area during races. Sometimes, he would fill in as a studio host. He also announced races lap-by-lap if needed. From 2001 to 2003, he hosted Totally NASCAR on Fox Sports Net. This show even got a nomination for an Emmy Award in 2002. By 2014, Steve was a co-host of NASCAR Race Hub on Fox Sports 1. He was also set to be the main announcer for the Camping World Truck Series in 2015.
Steve Byrnes' Cancer Journey
In August 2013, Steve Byrnes was diagnosed with cancer. It was an early stage of head and neck cancer. He received chemotherapy treatment for the rest of that year. In early 2014, doctors said he was cancer-free.
However, in September 2014, the cancer returned. It was a more advanced stage. On October 9, Fox Sports announced that Steve would take a break from work. He wanted to focus on his treatment.
Tributes and Legacy
On April 10, 2015, a special announcement was made. The 2015 Food City 500 race was renamed. It became the Food City 500 In Support Of Steve Byrnes and Stand Up To Cancer. This race honored Steve and his fight against cancer. It also celebrated his 56th birthday, which was that week.
Steve passed away on April 21, 2015, in Fort Mill, South Carolina. This was just one week after his 56th birthday. He was survived by his wife, Karen, and his son, Bryson. To honor him, NASCAR drivers Josh Wise and Clint Bowyer put photos of Steve and Bryson on their cars. This was for the 2015 Toyota Owners 400 race.
Steve was invited to vote for the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2016. After he passed, his son Bryson delivered his father's completed ballot. This helped Steve finish his last duty.
On May 22, 2015, Fox Sports dedicated a studio to Steve. This studio is in Charlotte and is used for NASCAR Race Hub. It is now called the "Steve Byrnes Studio." Fox also created the Byrnsie Award. This award honors people who show Steve's values: being prepared, working as a team, and valuing family.
Steve Byrnes' Family Life
Steve Byrnes lived in the Charlotte metropolitan area. This area is where many NASCAR teams are based. He lived there with his wife, Karen, and their son, Bryson.
Bryson graduated from Charlotte Christian School. He is now following in his father's footsteps. He is also pursuing a career in broadcasting. Bryson presents the Byrnsie Award at the last Cup Series race of the season that Fox broadcasts. He also reported from the pre-race gridwalk at the 2021 NASCAR All-Star Race.
