Velocity brings Eurosport coverage to the U.S.

It may be small consolation to those motorsports fans still smarting from the loss of SPEED Channel, but Velocity is doing its part to expand its racing coverage with the introduction of Eurosport on Velocity, a weekly programming block beginning Sept. 28. The block will air Saturdays from 1-3pm ET/PT, with encore presentations on Sunday morning. This marks the first time in the 24-year history of Eurosport — Europe’s largest sports television network — that it will be broadcast in the United States. This also is the first programming agreement between Eurosport and Discovery Communications since Discovery bought a 20 percent stake in Eurosport at the end of 2012.

“Eurosport on Velocity is one more way we are strengthening Velocity’s connection with our target audience,” said Robert Scanlon, general manager of Velocity. “As the exclusive home for Eurosport in the U.S., Velocity is delivering unique programming that no other U.S.-based network can offer to viewers.”

A Velocity release says that during the premiere season of Eurosport on Velocity, four motorsport series will be introduced to U.S. audiences:

* 2013 FIA European Rally Championship — Competing from January to November across Europe, this series features 11 events on asphalt, gravel and snow. Velocity will carry all of the highlights.

* British Superbike — One of the “big three” series in motorcycle racing, alongside MotoGP and the World Superbike Championships. It attracts 32 world-class riders from around the world, and is powered by 16 elite teams featuring leading manufacturers Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Ducati, Kawasaki, BMW and Aprilia. The new “showdown” format features intense racing all season long.

* Silk Way Rally — The second-largest rally event in the world. Kicking off in Moscow, more than 130 rally cars and trucks race across the Russian Federation, covering more than 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) over seven days.

* Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (pictured) — Considered one of the most prestigious international cross-country rallies, this is a five-day motorsport challenge featuring motorcycle, quad-bike, four-wheel and truck competitors.

The Eurosport on Velocity programming block airs on Velocity Saturdays 1-3pm ET/PT beginning Sept. 28.