Discovery Communications today announced the premiere programming slate for Velocity, set to debut October 4 at 7:00 p.m. (ET). An all-HD network targeting upscale men, Velocity will be available in more than 40 million homes at the channel location currently occupied by the HD Theater cable network. Velocity's lineup for fourth quarter 2011 features an all-new primetime schedule and more than 140 original premiere hours overall; representing the best of the travel, leisure, automotive, adventure and sports genres.
Viewers turning to Velocity this October also will find new seasons of some of television's most popular vehicle programming, featuring an unmatched collection of automotive experts. INSIDE WEST COAST CUSTOMS follows custom-car genius Ryan Friedlinghaus as he creates one-of-a-kind vehicles for celebrity customers including Justin Bieber, Will.i.am and Mark Wahlberg. America's automotive auction king, Dana Mecum, returns for live, multiday MECUM AUTO AUCTIONS featuring incredible cars and lightning-fast wheeling and dealing. Car restoration expert Wayne Carini also brings his renowned talents to Velocity with an all-new season of CHASING CLASSIC CARS.
On October 4, a special lineup of premiere night programming will include all-new episodes of: MOTORWEEK at 7:00 PM (ET), AMERICAN ICON WITH CHIP FOOSE at 8:00 PM (ET), WHAT'S MY CAR WORTH at 8:30 PM (ET), CHASING CLASSIC CARS at 9:00 (ET) and INSIDE WEST COAST CUSTOMS at 10:00 (ET). The full slate of regularly scheduled programming is below.
HIGHLIGHTED PRIMETIME PROGRAMMING DESCRIPTIONS: MOTORWEEK
Airs Tuesdays at 8:00 PM (ET) - Sneak Peak September 20
Award-winning MOTORWEEK marks an unprecedented 30 seasons behind the wheel as broadcast television's leading source of automotive information. Host and nationally recognized auto expert John Davis keeps consumers and car enthusiasts on track with the latest road tests, automotive trends and auto industry news. From economy cars to the exotics, the focus for season 30 will be on a new chapter in fuel efficiency as electric cars go mainstream and even performance cars go green. MOTORWEEK's lineup of popular segments include Goss' Garage with master technician Pat Goss, FYI with consumer reporter Yolanda Vazquez, Over the Edge and Gear with feature reporter Steven Chupnick, MotorNews with news reporter Jessica Choksey and Two Wheelin' with motorcycle enthusiast Brian Robinson.
AMERICAN ICON WITH CHIP FOOSE
Airs Tuesdays at 9:00 and 9:30 PM (ET)
The muscle car is the most coveted collector car today. These were the dream cars of America's baby boomer generation who came of age during the turbulent 1960s and early 1970s. AMERICAN ICON WITH CHIP FOOSE chronicles the allure and evolution of the production cars sold to anyone who craved dominating performance. Each episode tells the story of a period during the muscle car era, beginning with the origins of the fire-breathing cars and ending with their demise due to government regulation, insurance costs and the gas crisis.
CHASING CLASSIC CARS: Season 4
Airs Tuesdays at 10:00 and 10:30 PM (ET)
CHASING CLASSIC CARS offers a true insider's look into restoration genius Wayne Carini and his personal mission to uncover the world's most rare and exotic cars. CHASING CLASSIC CARS welcomes you into the elite club of car restorers and collectors as Wayne buys, restores and sells vintage rides. Touring the country, Wayne makes stops at some of the most exclusive and secret garages with owners who would open up their doors to this classic car icon.
TECH TOYS
Airs Wednesday at 9:00 (ET)
TECH TOYS takes you all over the world in search of the trendiest and exclusive gear for guys. Experience limited-edition cars, private jets, luxurious watches, the fastest motorcycles, private helicopters; and the world's finest wine, beer, and cigars. This series takes you around the globe in search of the gadget-centric and ultra-fashionable must-haves for men.
WHAT'S MY CAR WORTH: Season 3
Airs Wednesdays at 10:00 and 10:30 PM (ET) - Sneak Preview September 28
WHAT'S MY CAR WORTH returns for more collector car action across the auction block. Car collector expert Keith Martin and host Lorraine McKiniry take viewers on a tour of the greatest garages in the U.S., hoisting collector cars worthy of top prices. As car assessment experts offer sellers their best bets, the final price tag is determined on the auction block by the top bidder.
CAFE RACER: Season 2
Airs Thursdays at 8:00 PM (ET)
Motorcycle maven, Mike Seate hosts this tour of the world's most exclusive bike: the Cafe Racer. In this new season, Mike explores the history, development and worldwide cult surrounding the cafe racer, a motorcycle directly responsible for today's superbikes. CAFE RACER visits legendary motorcycle builders in the U.S., England, and Italy as they search for the perfect combination of style and speed. Celebrity clientele including Billy Joel and the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies weigh in on customized bikes for the motorcycle elite.
MECUM AUTO AUCTIONS
Airs Saturdays at 8:00 PM (ET)
Enter a world where the cars are the stars on MECUM AUTO AUCTIONS. Charismatic auction king Dana Mecum calls the shots as car aficionados compete for the best on the lot. Whether it's the chant of the auctioneer calling the bids or the frenzied ring men working the crowd, this live-broadcast series draws viewers in with its compelling look at the excitement and energy of car auction action.
INSIDE WEST COAST CUSTOMS: Season 2
Airs Sundays at 8:00 PM (ET)
INSIDE WEST COAST CUSTOMS gives an exclusive look into the world of famed car customizing business West Coast Customs. In each episode, WCC founder Ryan Friedlinghaus and his team take ordinary vehicles and revamp them to create one-of-a-kind rides. INSIDE WEST COAST CUSTOMS offers viewers a candid look at the logistics, mechanics and decisions behind the transformations they make for A-list clients such as Mark Wahlberg, Will.i.am and Justin Bieber.
For more information on Velocity, please visit Velocity.tv, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VelocityTV or on Twitter @VelocityTV1