Upfronts 2016: Velocity Revs Up 'Speed Is the New Black'

Velocity will roll out more than 400 hours of original content over the next year including several new series, the network said prior to its Thursday upfront presentation.

The network’s 2016-17 programming slate will feature 13 returning series as well as 100 live hours of premiere event coverage, including the popular Barrett-Jackson live auto auction event, said Robert Scanlon, General Manager of Velocity and Automotive Content.

“After launching more than four years ago Velocity’s new car smell isn’t fading,” Scanlon said in a statement. “Under our hood in 2016-17 are fan favorite franchises, exciting new series and electrifying live events powered by vibrant personalities, the most knowledgeable experts and riveting stories. The 50 million people – that’s one in six Americans – who self-identify as motor enthusiasts can continue finding the very best of the car world on Velocity.”

Among the new shows on the slate are Speed Is The New Black, which chronicles the development of fast, custom cars developed by Noah Alexander’s Classic Car Studio in St. Louis; Wild Rides Alaska, which marks the networks first foray into the world of trucks, and RMD Design, which features an urban automotive design and build shop, said network officials.

Returning shows include Junkyard Empire, Unique Rides, Bitchn’ Rides and Wheeler Dealers, said network officials. The network is 2017 will also offer 100 hours of live coverage of the Barret-Jackson autio auctions in Las Vegas, Scottsdale, Palm Beach and Mohegan Sun, said network officials. 

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.