The Autosportradio.com 2021 Show for March 16th…

Born and bred his entire life in Greenwood, Jonathan Byrd II has been involved in many different activities throughout the past couple of decades.  Jonathan graduated from Wabash College in 1997, and began working full time in Jonathan Byrd’s Cafeteria, the “Largest Cafeteria and Banquet Facility in the World”. He began working back when he was 11 years old, cutting out biscuits at his father’s KFC’s, and then starting as a bus boy with Jonathan Byrd’s Cafeteria when it opened in 1988, performing every job over his career, ultimately ascending to General Manager in 2003. An opportunity arose early in 2005 that led Jonathan, along with his brother David, to purchase ESPN Radio affiliate WXLW 950 AM.  In forming Raven Broadcasting, Inc. and serving as President of that business, Jonathan fulfilled a life long dream of being involved in the radio business.  The brothers also operated Franklin’s 95.9 FM, and exited the radio business in August of 2009.  The Byrd Brothers continued the family tradition that their father started in the 80’s, and in 2005, brought home a top five finish in the Indianapolis 500 with former 500 Champion Buddy Lazier, while also putting together 500 efforts in 2015, 2016 and 2018.  In September of 2009, Jonathan created “Ev’ryMan Victory”, a not-for-profit formed in honor of the lifework of his father, which looks to raise monies for organizations which actively Bear Others Burdens.  In 2017, he became the President and General Manager of the Indianapolis Speedrome, where he continues. Jonathan also works within the business development side of the Jonathan Byrd’s Hospitality and Restaurant Group, utilizing the platform of Jonathan Byrd’s Racing to develop business and relationships for the company.

Jonathan has been married over 18 years to his beautiful bride, Abigail, and has a thirteen year old son, Jonathan III, and a daughter Evelyn, 11.  He coaches baseball throughout the summer for his son’s Little League team, and enjoys the artistic stylings of his daughter’s dancing and piano playing.  The family attends Harvest Bible Chapel – Indy South