Though he was unable to attend the race, Byrnes watched it on TV and tweeted a response to a fan who asked if he made it through the entire rain-delayed event.President Obama, who honored Sprint Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick at the White House on Tuesday, offered his condolences and called Byrnes a "legendary reporter and broadcaster.

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Steve Byrnes, the longtime FOX Sports NASCAR broadcaster whose courageous battle against cancer drew support from every corner of stock car racing, died Tuesday at age 56.Byrnes passed away just two days after the race at Bristol Motor Speedway, which was named the "Food City 500 in Support of Steve Byrnes."

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Steven Patrick Byrnes, better known as 'Steve Byrnes', was an American television announcer and producer who began his career as a sports producer, covering several NFL teams.

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After stepping on stage for the first time on September 30, 1997, he has never looked back.

1 Prayers to his family. "Seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty said Byrnes' passion is what made him stand out as one of the best in the profession.

"Even more impressive, and fully on display last weekend in Bristol, Steve was loved and respected by the entire NASCAR community, from the drivers to the team owners to the front office executives.

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“His passion for the sport — his passion for everyone involved with the sport — shone through week in and week out.” While Byrnes fought his cancer, the NASCAR community rallied behind him.

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"He was always humble, too," Petty said.

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""Thanks to all for a remarkable day, my teammates @NASCARONFOX," Byrnes tweeted Sunday.

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