Heterogeneous grain growth during austenitization in ASTM A213-T91 steel has been studied using a Gleeble 3500 thermomechanical simulator. Starting from a uniform, fine austenite grain size distribution after 1 min austenite holding time, a heterogeneous austenite grain size distribution was observed after 15 min austenite holding time at 1 060°C and 1 080°C. The state of precipitation of second phase particles was studied in detail as a function of austenitization time. The particle size distribution changed towards a bimodal feature as a function of time whereas the count frequency of the coarse precipitates increased and the count frequency of fine precipitates diminished with time. V-rich precipitates were dissolved during austenitization and only Nb-rich particles remained after 15 min austenitizing time. The experimental observations on the evolution of the austenite grain size distribution are rationalized on the basis of the Gladman's approach to abnormal grain growth. © 2007 ISIJ.