---

NASCAR: An Illness in the Family at Diamond Ridge Motorsports

22 October 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Just six years into his young, precious life, Hunter Byrd is fighting for it. The son of Diamond Ridge Motorsports No. 29 team crew chief Mike Byrd was diagnosed with lymphocytic leukemia on Monday.

The NASCAR community is a tight-knit group, and the employees of Diamond Ridge Motorsports are no different. When news of Hunter's illness reached the shop, racing took a backseat, as prayers and thoughts were extended to Hunter, their co-worker Mike, his wife Ellen and their daughter Allison.

While racing will resume this weekend at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham, Diamond Ridge Motorsports crew members will show their support of Hunter's courageous fight by passing out stickers to be placed on each team's race car in both the NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National Division and the NASCAR Winston Cup Series.

As is the situation with Hunter's form of leukemia, the exact cause of most leukemia cases remains unknown. However, radiation and chemotherapy are treatments, and Hunter has already undergone one chemotherapy session since his diagnosis.

In addition to the support the six-year-old has received from his father's teammates, Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports extended their well-wishes to Hunter, too. The teams sent cards and letters to Hunter's room at Carolinas Medical Center, giving support to Hunter as they told the tale of their own friend's successful battle with leukemia - Rick Hendrick.

Others wishing to send cards and letters of support to Hunter may do so by mailing all correspondence to the attention of: Hunter Byrd - patient, Carolinas Medical Center, P.O. Box 32861, Charlotte, N.C., 28232.

Editors Note: For hundreds of hot racing photos and racing art, be sure to visit The Racing ImageGalleries and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.