Charlotte, NC – SPEED has once again expanded its broadcast time at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event and ‘No Reserve’ auction from Palm Beach, Fla. Up two hours from last season to 19; the network will begin live coverage from the South Florida Expo Center on March 27 at Noon ET.
Bob Varsha, the Voice of Formula One on SPEED, will provide play by play and be joined by Motor Trend magazine editor and on-air auction analyst Matt Stone. On the auction block, car enthusiast Mike Joy, the Voice of NASCAR on FOX, and former Hot Rod magazine technical editor Steve Magnante will be getting up close with each vehicle. Veteran reporter and automotive connoisseur Rick DeBruhl will be in the staging lanes getting the latest on what’s headed to the block.
“We’ve expanded our coverage as we present our first ever Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in high definition,” said Rick Miner, SPEED SVP of Production & Operations. “We are so looking forward to bringing the audience a Barrett-Jackson auction in high definition. What better way to showcase the diverse selection of vehicles scheduled for Palm Beach.
“We want to give the people at Barrett-Jackson a lot of credit as well,” Miner continued. “In order for SPEED to highlight these cars in high definition, Barrett-Jackson, at great expense, has brought in a completely upgraded lighting system to accommodate our new broadcast needs. This new lighting will be of great assistance when the audience watches the program.”
Two of the stars among the hundreds of cars to be sold at ‘No Reserve’ in this year’s Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction will be two specially modified Ford Mustang GTs, known as ‘KITT’ and ‘Attack Mode KITT,’ headliners of the recent ‘made-for-television’ movie re-make of hit 1980s television show, Knight Rider. Another famous Mustang will also be on hand, as Total Performance’s completely customized 550+ horsepower 1967 Fastback known as ‘Pit Viper’ will also go across the block.
“We’re thrilled that SPEED will be expanding its outstanding coverage of our Palm Beach event,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Over the last 11 years, the SPEED team has been instrumental in the growth of our automotive lifestyle events, as well as in the overall evolution of the hobby. And we’ve upped the ante once again by offering this year’s Palm Beach auction coverage in high definition.”
The popular Hagerty Fantasy Bid game will return for the Palm Beach auction. Starting at Noon on March 29, bidders who earn the most points throughout a day of fantasy bidding will win an all-expense paid ‘World Class Driving Experience.’ This grand prize is a unique opportunity to drive a selection of expensive and exotic machinery like a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, Ferrari F430, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Porsche 911 GT3, Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren, Audi R8 and others.
To participate, fantasy bidders must log onto http://www.SPEEDtv.com during the live broadcast. On the site, click the ‘Hagerty Fantasy Bid’ logo, or keyword type ‘bid’ and follow the on-screen instructions. Each vehicle will be previewed on SPEED at least 10 minutes prior to crossing the auction block, opening each Fantasy Bid session. Once ‘real life’ bidding starts, fantasy bidding closes. The contestants closest to the closing gavel price without going over will be declared the winner.
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event
Palm Beach, Fla.
(All Times Eastern)
Thursday, March 27
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event – Noon (Live)
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event* – 9 p.m. (Same Day)
Friday, March 28
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event – Noon (Live)
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event* – 8 p.m. (Same Day)
Saturday, March 29
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event** – Noon – (Live)
*Same Day Broadcast Delay
**Hagerty Fantasy Bid
SPEED is the nation’s first and foremost cable television network dedicated to motor sports and the passion for everything automotive. From racing to restoration, motorcycles to movies, SPEED delivers quality programming from the track to the garage. Now available in more than 78 million homes in North America, SPEED is among the fastest-growing sports cable networks in the country and, the home to NASCAR on SPEED and an industry leader in interactive TV, video on demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services. For more information, please visit SPEEDtv.com, the online motor sports authority.