Fan Force United Bringing Jonathan Byrd’s Back To Track
Based just off of Interstate 65 in Greenwood, Indiana, Jonathan Byrd’s (www.jonathanbyrds.com), with its cafeteria line, take-out, bakery, drive-thru, banquet hall & conference center, and catering business, has been in operation since 1988, serving more than 13,000,000 meals since opening its doors.
Virginia Byrd, owner of Jonathan Byrd’s, talked about the renewed sponsorship commitment with Fan Force United: “From the time we opened, and even before, we have been in the business of sponsoring teams and drivers. We have built our reputation in central Indiana with great food and a connection to racing. Through both team ownership and sponsorship, we’ve supported drivers in USAC Midgets, short track figure-8 racing, Indy Lights, and of course the Indy 500." She continued: “Our racing teams and sponsorships have always been great for our business. I really enjoyed our relationship with Fan Force United in 2012, and I’m very happy that they are returning to the racetrack this year."
Over the years, Jonathan Byrd’s has adorned the race cars of an impressive list of drivers that includes Rich Vogler, Stan Fox, Arie Luyendyk, Jaques & Buddy Lazier, Gordon Johncock, Scott Brayton, John Paul Jr, John Andretti, Mike Groff, Robby & Johnny Unser, JJ Yeley, and Jean Alesi. With that in mind, Mrs. Byrd added “We are excited to be adding Scott Anderson to that list. He seems like a great kid, and we are really expecting good things from him." Going on to talk about Fan Force United specifically, she said In addition to that, because I’m in the restaurant business and I get to interact with my customers on a daily basis, I love the team’s ‘fan first’ philosophy. I love the way they interact with race fans and make them part of the team—not to mention their community outreach efforts. That really resonates with me, and it’s so much fun to get to be part of that as well."
Talking about the Jonathan Byrd’s sponsorship, Fan Force United driver Scott Anderson said “Getting the chance to be involved with Jonathan Byrd’s as a team sponsor is great. I know they’ve been involved with some great names in the history of IndyCar and the Indy 500, and I’m honestly feeling pretty special to be joining that list!"
Scott’s mentor and manager, Derek Daly, weighed in, adding that “Jonathan Byrd himself was truly a larger than life character who was so passionate about everything IndyCar. I'm glad 'he' is still involved and look forward to being well fed at Indy as a result."
Team co-owner Tyce Carlson said: “Racing is my number one love, but food comes in a pretty close second to that. I know my fried chicken, and theirs is the best, so we are pretty excited for them to be back on board. It would be even better if there was a Jonathan Byrd’s everywhere we race." Team co-owner Chris Williams added to that sentiment, saying “When May comes around, we want to see fried chicken bones from Jonathan Byrd’s scattered all over the infield mounds at the Speedway."
Tyce offered a further reflection: “You know, back in 1997, I was offered the chance to be one of those Jonathan Byrd’s drivers, but due to a previous commitment, I had to decline. I’ve always regretted not being able to take Jonathan up on his offer, but being able to be involved with Jonathan Byrd’s in this way, as they show confidence in our team and support us as we develop and build is the next best thing. We hope to reward that confidence and make them proud."