Velocity Debut Slate Highlighted By NFL Programming, Automotive Icons and Thrilling Lifestyle Content

SILVER SPRING, Md., Sept. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Discovery Communications today announced the premiere programming slate for Velocity, set to debut October 4 at 7:00 PM (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.

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Velocity's initial programming offering is highlighted by a partnership with NFL Films which brings two world-premiere series to the network.  NFL Films, Velocity and Intersport collaborated to create the all-new, original franchises, NFL SINGLE COVERAGE and GREATEST NFL RIVALRIES -- each capturing the intensity, passion and competition of the NFL.  NFL SINGLE COVERAGE goes inside key NFL games via personal interviews, in-game player microphones and special camera angles to focus on the often-overlooked individual player battles.  As the companion series to NFL SINGLE COVERAGE, each episode of GREATEST NFL RIVALRIES provides a historic look at legendary games played between two featured franchises.  Both NFL SINGLE COVERAGE and GREATEST NFL RIVALRIES boast the world-class production and archive footage of NFL Films.

"Once we made the initial announcement of Velocity last April, there immediately was a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm for this new brand," said David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery Communications.  "As evidenced by its relationships with blue-chip partners like the NFL, Velocity taps into a premium male demographic and connects with them at their passion points."

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.  The network isn't afraid to venture outside of the garage, however, as evidenced by the heart-pounding premiere series EXTREME FISHING.  Renowned British actor, Robson Green, takes viewers on thrilling journeys around the world to go after the some of the most exotic fish on earth, including the bull shark, tiger fish and the lethal Japanese puffer.

"Velocity will be the go-to destination for the upscale male demographic.  Beginning in October, the network will offer programming that is diverse, character-driven, dramatic and engaging," said Bob Scanlon, senior vice president of Velocity.  "From the vintage-cool look of the brand, to our broad content genres, to our industry-best HD production standards, Velocity will stand out both for its style and its substance."

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:

EXTREME FISHING

Airs Mondays at 9:00 PM (ET)

Host Robson Green embarks on a quest to find the world's most exotic creatures of the sea in EXTREME FISHING.  From the Amazon River to the Indian Ocean, Robson risks life and limb to tackle the scariest, most powerful fish on earth -- including the bull shark, swordfish, tiger fish and the lethal Japanese puffer.

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.

NFL SINGLE COVERAGE

Airs Wednesday at 8:00 PM (ET) – Sneak Preview September 21

SINGLE COVERAGE examines the key individual match-ups inside the game unlike any other show on television.  Each 30-minute episode employs personal interviews and in-game player microphones to dissect the individual match-ups between featured players and coaches on opposing teams.  Every play is a chess match between corners and receivers; running backs and linebackers; quarterbacks and pass rushers -- and the team that wins these isolated battles leaves the gridiron victorious.  

GREATEST NFL RIVALRIES

Airs Wednesday at 8:30 PM (ET) – Sneak Preview September 21

Each episode of GREATEST NFL RIVALRIES tells the story of two famed franchises that have faced off season after season.  Featuring NFL Films' unprecedented content library and sports cinematography, the series will provide an all-access pass to 2011's upcoming rivalry dates by reflecting on the games, plays and personalities that defined the grudge matches that consume franchises and their fans.

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

GREATEST NFL RIVALRIES and NFL SINGLE COVERAGE are produced by Intersport and NFL Films.  Steve Sabol is executive producer for NFL Films and Charlie Besser is executive producer for Intersport.  EXTREME FISHING is produced by Zodiak Rights.  INSIDE WEST COAST CUSTOMS: SEASON 2 is produced by West Coast Customs.  CHASING CLASSIC CARS is produced by Essex Television.  WHAT'S MY CAR WORTH: SEASON 3 is produced by What's My Car Worth Productions.  MECUM AUTO AUCTIONS is produced by Linger Group.  EPIC POKER is produced by Federated Sports and Gaming.  AMERICAN ICON WITH CHIP FOOSE is produced by WATV.  TECH TOYS is produced by Revera Entertainment.

About Velocity:

Velocity, a division of Discovery Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), is the upscale men's cable network that provides thrilling HD programming for its viewers.  Velocity programming is diverse, intelligent and engaging, with series and specials representing the best of the automotive, sports and leisure, adventure and travel genres.  Formerly HD Theater, the fully HD network is available in approximately 40 million homes.  For more information on Velocity, please visit Velocity.tv, on Facebook at facebook.com/VelocityTV or on Twitter @VelocityTV1

About Discovery Communications:

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's number one nonfiction media company, reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 180 countries.  Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Investigation Discovery, Planet Green and HD Theater, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services, including HowStuffWorks.com.  For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

SOURCE Discovery Communications