Amid the buzz of the NASCAR All-Star race at North Wilkesboro this weekend, a slightly quieter moment stood out. There was a pause in the evening before the main race on Sunday. The moment of silence was to honor someone close, someone who belonged to the very successful Hendrick Motorsports family. In a sport that is built on teamwork and trust, this recognition went beyond the usual spotlight.

The Byrnsie Award, in memory of broadcaster Steve Byrnes, celebrates those who reflect the core values Byrnes embodied in his professional and personal life: family, preparation, and teamwork. This year, the award carried deeper meaning. Marking the remembrance for someone who had Rick Hendrick’s back this whole time. The NASCAR community felt this void for a while, and now it’s finally time to celebrate this person’s invaluable achievement. Of course, he is none other than Jon Edwards.

Jon Edwards honored with prestigious Byrnsie Award

This year, FOX NASCAR celebrated Jon Edwards’ kindness, humility, and dedication by honoring him with the Byrnsie Award. Apart from being the communications director at Dupont and Hendricks Motorsport, Jon was a warm soul whom everyone loved interacting with. When news of his passing came about in early April, the NASCAR community was devastated. Edwards worked closely with Jeff Gordon for most of his career, and Gordon was particularly emotional when Edwards passed, saying, “I’ve lost someone who’s like a brother to me and so many other people that he impacted.”

Ahead of the race, FOX broadcast the Edwards family receiving the award from Mike Joy, which was voted on by the NASCAR broadcast team. Jon Edwards’ parents, Randy and Judy Edwards, and his brother, Jay Edwards, were in attendance. Mike Joy then proceeded to pay tribute to Jon, saying, “In an arena with massive egos, Jon’s own was never on display. As an enabler — not a gatekeeper—Jon set a very high standard, all the while being a good and loyal friend. He truly embodied the way Steve Byrnes lived his life.” 

Most recently, Jon Edwards was the PR Representative of Kyle Larson, and despite working with Hendrick Motorsports since the 1990s, he was officially recognized as their director of communications in 2022. He played an instrumental role in reviving Kyle Larson’s career in 2021, after the latter was banned from the sport in 2020. Joy added, “Jon was the prototype for great PR reps with Jeff Gordon, and he was the perfect choice to guide Kyle Larson’s return to NASCAR and his rise to stardom.”

Just days after Jon’s passing in April this year, Kyle Larson delivered a flawless win at Bristol and dedicated it to Edwards. “This one’s definitely for Jon,” said Larson after the race. The Hendrick Motorsports family truly misses his presence. From being a brother to Jeff Gordon and a guru for Kyle Larson, there’s no doubt that Jon Edwards has touched the lives of the upper echelon of HMS, along with everyone who knew him.

Who was Steve Byrnes?

When Steve Byrnes passed away in 2015 after a brave battle with cancer, the NASCAR community lost one of its most trusted voices. In the months that followed, FOX NASCAR found it fitting to carry forward his legacy. The inception of the Byrsnie Award stood as a symbol of the values Byrnes stood for: preparation, respect, teamwork, and heart.

Byrnes wasn’t flashy, and yet he set a standard, both in how we covered the sport and how he treated people within it. He was known for showing up fully prepared and treating everyone with dignity. The award doesn’t just carry his name, but it carries the culture he helped create within the community of NASCAR. Carl Edwards reflected on the day of his passing, saying, “I really struggled with what to say today… It’s not because we’re nervous talking in front of people; it’s because when you speak about such a great man, you want to do him justice.”  

Before the illness forced Steve to take a backseat, Byrnes was slated to become the lead announcer for the Camping World Truck Series last year, a role that underscored his influence in the sport. He was also named to the executive committee responsible for selecting new members to the NASCAR Hall of Fame—further testament to the respect and trust he earnestly earned throughout his career.

The first Byrnsie Award, given to Rodney Childers in 2015, was proof of Rodney’s excellence as a crew chief known for his precision under pressure and his devotion to his family. Childers had just won the Cup Series Championship with Kevin Harvick in 2014 and was renowned as one of the most influential in the sport. It was Byrne’s son, Bryson, who had announced the winner, which served to be a beautiful full-circle moment. And since then, the award has become one of the most meaningful recognitions handed out.

The award isn’t about stats; it’s about spirit. And every time a new name is added, Steve Byrnes’ legacy lives on. In 2025, Jon Edwards’ soul carries that legacy to greater heights.