Evernham's Americarna Debuts Tuesday

This month, Velocity takes viewers on a tour through American culture through the lens of one its greatest inventions: the automobile. Three-time NASCAR champion Ray Evernham hosts a cross-country trek, chasing down the cars that had a profound impact on shaping our national identity. From the inception of American racing at the turn of 20th century, to the Woody Wagons that defined California culture in the 50’s and 60’s, to the infamous drag strips of the 70’s, automotive history has left an indelible imprint on the American experience. AMERICARNA lifts the hood on legendary four-wheeled treasures that continue to have a profound influence on our cultural DNA. AMERICARNA debuts Tuesday, January 28 with a special double episode premiere at 8:00 and 8:30 p.m. 

“The automobile is a quintessential part of the American experience - they’re synonymous with freedom, adventure,” said Bob Scanlon, General Manager of Velocity. “Since the first Model T rolled off Henry Ford’s assembly line, cars have continually helped evolve our culture, and we’re honored to have a true godfather of American car culture, Ray Evernham, host AMERICARNA. The stories and characters featured are even more unforgettable than they cars themselves.” 

“Over my career, I have visited every corner of the country and learned firsthand about America’s rich, diverse love affair with automobiles,” said Evernham. “Cars hold the key to many of America’s historical secrets, and I am proud to share my journey through barns, along coastlines, and inside racetracks and garages with viewers on Velocity this January.” 

The premiere episode brings Ray together with a surfing legend and revolutionary waterman, Laird Hamilton. The focus of the episode is the iconic Woody Wagon – a staple in the beach community - popularized by in the 50’s and adopted by surfers nationwide as a fitting chariot to transport their gear. Additional episodes feature historical automotive insight from famed director Ron Howard (Arrested Development, The DaVinci Code, Apollo 13), music legend Mike Love (The Beach Boys), Country superstar Brad Paisley, And Hot Rod racing guru Don Prudhomme. 

Already scheduled for 2014 are… 

Series Premiere -- California Cool: The Iconic Woody Wagon

Premieres Tuesday January 28 at 8:00 PM
The premiere episode features a dive into the influence cars had on culture of California. From road racing in the 1940’s to the inception of the iconic Woody wagon on the California beach scene, automobiles undoubtedly shaped the West Coast attitude. Ray talks to Beach Boys front man Mike Love and surfing icon Laird Hamilton for a glimpse into the cars that the life of the surf culture.

Moonshiners and the 1940’s Ford

Premieres Tuesday January 28 at 8:30 PM
Ray uncovers secrets of America’s greatest racing sport in the foothill of North Carolina. When moonshiners were looking to outrun police officers, they would custom fit engines to race the back woods tracks. That sport eventually evolved into NASCAR and Ray talks to the early adopters of this national pastime.  

Marty Robbins Restoration

Premieres Tuesday February 4 at 8:00 PM
Grammy-winning musician Marty Robbins lived a double life, flawlessly crossing between the glitz of the Grand Ole Opry and track at Talladega.  One of few musicians to ever achieve success in both genres, Ray is determined to return Marty’s iconic 777 car to the race track travel back to the 60’s and 70’s.

Hot Rods and Dragsters

Premieres Tuesday February 4 at 8:30 PM
Legendary drag racer Don “The Snake” Prudhomme proves he is no stranger to the thrill of racing rivalry. Prudholme’s career - and subsequent competition with driver Tom “The Mongoose” McEwan – earned the pair an unforgettable imprint on American pop culture. Legions of kids in the 60’s and 70’s flocked to the shelves for Snake and Mongoose Matchbox cars which helped make drag racing a undisputable American pastime. Famed director Ron Howard makes an appearance to discuss the incredible stories hidden within the word of Formula 1 Racing, the topic of his latest. epic feature ‘Rush”.

Buried Treasures

Premieres Tuesday February 11 at 8:00 PM
Buried treasures are unearthed when Ray helps uncover winning Daytona racecars trapped in an old car hauler.  

Indy Car Rescue

Premieres Tuesday February 18 at 8:00 PM
A journey to Indianapolis unveils the winning car of the 1955 Indy 500 sits on the roof of auto mechanic shop. More than 50 years after it’s magic at the track, prominent Indy mechanic/owner Chris Paulsen begins to restore the car and Ray talks about the evolution of America’s illustrious Indy 500.

Smokey's Truck

Premieres Tuesday February 25 at 8:00 PM
In the 1960s, Smokey Yunick, the most innovative mechanic in NASCAR history, sold his famous truck that hauled equipment & cars across the country.  Ray is on a mission to uncover this storied truck that helped launch the beginning of NASCAR’s cross-country popularity.

The Vanderbilt Cup

Premieres Tuesday March 4 at 8:00 PM
Ray travels to Long Island New York with the hopes of learning more about America’s first major auto racing competition. The race began at the turn of the 20th century and helped develop the first major American racing stars and drove American manufacturing to competitive standard with the highly progressive Europeans.

Ray's Roots & the Yellow 303

Premieres Tuesday March 11 at 8:00 PM
Fred Dmuchowski is a New Jersey racing icon. He was a regular workingman who drove on weekends for fun and became a legend in his iconic 303 racer.  Ray works to rebuild the 303 in homage to Fred who inspired him to pursue his career in motorsports.

Season Finale: The Corvette

Premiere Tuesday January 28 at 8:30 PM
For NASCAR businessman Rick Hendrick, the Corvette inspired his first car purchase and the start of his incredible car empire of dealerships and motorsports teams. County superstar Brad Paisley makes a cameo appearance to talk about his prized ‘Vette the automotive influence on his music.