Jeff Byrd will miss Bristol's 100th Cup event, but says he's recovering well

  Bristol boss Jeff Byrd (L) and legendary Junior Johnson (Photo: Bristol Motor Speedway)
  

  By Mike Mulhern
  mikemulhern.net

  BRISTOL, Tenn.
  Jeff Byrd, the veteran Bristol Motor Speedway track president, says his medical recovery "is going extremely well, and my doctors are very happy."
  Byrd was sidelined in March by a major illness, and he just completed another round of treatments.
  "Our race fans, who are the best in the sport, know how much I want to be there this weekend, especially with it being our 100th Cup race," Byrd said in a brief statement.
   "We thought at first the treatment calendar was going to work (so he could make it to the track), but then we realized it wasn't.
   "Believe me, not being able to be there to see all my friends is disappointing...
   "But I have a lot to be thankful for. My recovery is going extremely well, and my doctors are very happy.
   "Of course things aren't progressing quickly enough for me. But anybody who knows me can tell you that I'm not exactly a patient person.
   "Claudia (his wife) and I and my entire family have truly been overwhelmed by the prayers and support and couldn't be more thankful.
   "If all the fans could continue to keep me in their prayers, I would be grateful
   "I just want them to have a great weekend, while they soak in the amazing Bristol experience. That's the best medicine I could ask for."

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