Steve Byrnes, longtime announcer and NASCAR TV broadcaster, passed away at the age of 56 after a very public and difficult two-year battle against cancer.

In 2001, Byrnes, a resident of Fort Mill, S.C., joined the Fox Sports family. He started hosting and reporting for numerous NASCAR programs. He even serves as pit road reporter for Fox's NASCAR broadcasts of the Sprint Cup Series from 2001 to 2014.

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Most recently though, he served as the play-by-play color commentator for Fox Sports 1's NASCAR Truck Series, and also co-hosted the NASCAR Race Hub.

In a moment of tribute last weekend, the Motor Speedway was renamed to the Food City 500 in support of Byrnes and Stand Up to Cancer.

NASCAR Chairman Brian France released a statement extending their condolences to the friends and family of colleague 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," France said.

Even prior to joining Fox though, Byrnes' past jobs looked to pave the way towards playing a part in NASCAR.

An avid racing fan, he had also hosted "Darrell Waltrip's Racers" on TNN, while working as a pit road reporter for CBS, TNN, and WTBS.

His first on-air gig was at WCIV-TV in Charleston, years ago in 1982. A year earlier, he had just graduated from the University of Maryland.

Fond recollections and praises poured in from NASCAR drivers as well.

Seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty said that Byrnes was a person who had a real passion for his job, which is what made him stand out and be the best for what he did. In addition, Petty added how Byrnes was very humble and how he never saw him treat anyone unfairly.

"That's just how he did his job and lived his life."

In the wake of NASCAR reporter Byrnes' death, he is survived by his wife Karen, his son Bryson, and most of his family.

TagsSteve Byrnes, NASCAR announcer, Cancer, FOX