SPEED CHANNEL RENEWS LIFESTYLE SHOWS UNIQUE WHIPS, BUILD OR BUST PINKS, TEXAS HARDTAILS DEBUT NEXT WEEK SPEED Channel VP of Programming Robert Ecker announced today the network has renewed both Unique Whips and Build or Bust for second seasons. “We are extremely pleased that both Unique Whips and Build or Bust will be returning to the SPEED lineup with all-new episodes beginning next spring,” Ecker said. “Audience response to these enthusiast-themed programs has been very gratifying, and with the impending launch of both Pinks (June 29, 8 p.m. ET) and Texas Hardtails (June 28, 8:30 p.m. ET) we continue to affirm our commitment to this segment of our viewership. Looking ahead, we currently are identifying additional properties for future seasons that will further bolster the SPEED brand within this category.” Unique Whips (Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET), shot on location at the New York celebrity car customizing shop of Will Castro, featured season-one appearances by A-list athletes and entertainers, including tennis great Jennifer Capriati, NY Yankees sluggers Jason Giambi and Ruben Sierra, NBA stars Carmelo Anthony, Marcus Camby and Jermaine O’Neal, NFL standouts Lavar Arrington and Byron Leftwich and hip-hop artists Jadakiss and Fat Joe. “Season one was a hell of an experience — I didn’t realize what kind of impact the show would have on the industry,” said Castro, owner of Long Island’s Unique Autosports. “But getting out there on SPEED took our work mainstream and introduced our style and our crew to the entire country. “We were a little nervous about putting our business out there in season one, but I think the entire crew is looking forward to season two,” Castro added. “The SPEED viewers are going to see a lot more of the Unique craftsmanship that goes into celebrity cars. I think everyone, including our clients, will be a lot more comfortable with the cameras around and by the end of season two, there will be no doubt as to why Unique stands head and shoulders above some of the other customizing shops.” The 12 new Unique Whips episodes planned for season two will give viewers a look at even more stars and their Unique cars, with plans to include appearances by entertainers Jessica Simpson, Pamela Anderson and Busta Rhymes and NBA standout Vince Carter. Build or Bust, created and produced by A Band Apart’s Scott Gillen, also was given the green light on 11 new episodes to begin next spring. The one-hour show takes an average person with an interest in designing and building his or her own motorcycle, matches them up with a renowned master builder and gives them 30 days to build a bike from the ground up. If the job is completed to the master builder’s satisfaction within the allotted time, they get to keep the bike. If not, they walk away bruised and empty-handed. Beginning June 28, Build or Bust moves to Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET, strategically positioning it with SPEED Channel’s other motorcycle enthusiast fare, including 2 Wheel Tuesday (7:30 p.m. ET), American Thunder (8 p.m. ET) and the first season of Texas Hardtails (8:30 p.m. ET). “I am thrilled by the show’s success and excited about our plans for a second season on SPEED,” Gillen said. “Build or Bust is sometimes raw, sometimes a little harsh, but that’s because it’s real — and that’s why people love the show. In the new season, we plan to introduce Build or Bust’s very own shop that will feature everything a custom motorcycle builder might need to create the bike of his or her dreams. We look forward to a long run.” Exile Cycles master builder Russell Mitchell, who starred in most of the season-one episodes, plans to return for season two. “The first season of Build or Bust was a lot of fun,” Mitchell said. “I had a great time working with the wide array of interesting characters who participated. I particularly enjoyed watching their efforts to do in 30 days what it has taken me a lifetime to learn.” SPEED Channel is the nation’s first and foremost cable network dedicated to motor sports and the passion for everything automotive. From racing to restoration, motorcycles to movies, SPEED Channel delivers quality programming from the track to the garage. Now available in nearly 70 million homes in North America, SPEED Channel is among the fastest growing sports cable networks in the country.