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NASCAR Race Hub dedicates Charlotte studio to Steve Byrnes: Steve Byrnes always carried a huge presence around the FOX Sports studios in Charlotte, North Carolina. From his tireless preparation, to helping those around the office and offering a word of advice to anyone that asked, Byrnes was integral to success of FOX Sports 1, "NASCAR Race Hub" and everyone around him. While Steve passed away on April 21 after a long battle with cancer, his presence will remain a permanent fixture in the Charlotte office. On Thursday, FOX Sports "NASCAR Race Hub" studio was dedicated to the memory of Steve Byrnes. After comments from FOX Sports executive vice president Steve Craddock, a moving story by FOX Sports digital content producer Branden Williams about Steve's willingness to help a young kid, and more kind words from FOX Sports president Erick Shanks, Steve's son Bryson helped unveil the plaque that will sit in the studio honoring his late father. The plaque includes a picture of Steve, with the following inscription: "This studio is dedicated in memory of and in upmost appreciation for the time Steve Byrnes spent not only within its four walls, but in our lives. A FOX Sports broadcaster whose career spanned three decades, Byrnes consistently led by example both on the air and off. Garnering a rare profound respect and admiration of every competitor he covered and countless colleagues he encountered. Few put more passion into their work, honesty into their friendships or effort into mentoring others than Byrnes. "His legacy of hard work, integrity and professionalism, humility, fairness and faith served as an inspiration to his thousands of friends and extended to the millions of viewers who watched him over the years. Byrnes became a tangible example of strength, courage and fortitude to all who witnessed his cancer battle and his inspiring personal campaign to be present in every moment of his family members' lives. For his FOX Sports family, his family is forever present in this studio and in our hearts." The commemorative plaque ends with the signoff Byrnes would always end his shows with, "Have an awesome night."(FoxSports)(5-23-2015)

Dale Earnhardt Jr., sister Kelley receive key to Mooresville: #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his sister, Kelley Earnhardt Miller, received a ceremonial key to the town of Mooresville on Friday on behalf of JR Motorsports, the racing shop they co-own in Talbert Pointe Business Park. "All these years, I never thought we'd be getting a key to the city," Dale Jr. said after he and his sister received the award from Mooresville Mayor Miles Atkins and town commissioners. Earnhardt Jr. brought his 5-month-old Irish setter, Gus, to the ceremony at JR Motorsports. The town presented the key in part for JR Motorsports driver Chase Elliott winning the 2014 Nationwide Series title. At 18, Elliott became the youngest champion ever of a NASCAR national series. The town also recognized JR Motorsports for having grown from just a couple of employees to more than 100.(Charlotte Observer)(5-23-2015)

During the ceremony, town commissioner Bobby Compton told Dale Jr. that he remembers him always being on time each morning at Mooresville High School, from which Dale Jr. graduated in 1992. Compton, who still lives behind the school, smiled recalling how Dale Jr.’s Chevy S-10 pickup was always dirty.