More than 85 of the world’s best motocross riders will compete in the debut of the Moto X World Championships, April 12-13 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Calif. Prize money and the title of Moto X Champion are up for grabs as well as the prestigious, first-time Evel Knievel Award and a custom Knievel Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

“ESPN is proud to bring the legacy of Evel Knievel to the Moto X World Championships,” said Rick Alessandri, managing director, X Games Franchise. “Evel did so much for the sport of motocross, and it is only fitting to have an award based on performance for his namesake at this new X event.” Freestyle motocross icon and Moto X World Championships competitor Brian Deegan, who holds the record for most Moto X medals at X Games with 10, said: “There really isn't anyone around today who is as hardcore as Evel Knievel was.”

During the Moto X Freestyle final Sunday at 4 p.m. PT on ESPN2, fans will be encouraged to cast a vote for Most Outstanding Rider via text messaging from a cell phone or logging on to www.expn.com. The winner will be announced after the final.

Steve Simon, a principal at the Prince Marketing Group, represented the Knievel family in helping to create this opportunity with the Moto X World Championships and ESPN.

The new annual event will feature the best Moto X riders in the world competing for the title of Moto X World Champion in a variety of disciplines, including Freestyle, SuperMoto, Speed & Style, Best Trick, Step Up and Moto X Racing. Eight hours of live coverage of the Moto X World Championships will be featured on ESPN and ESPN2 – all available in high definition. Extensive additional coverage will be provided via ESPN360.com and EXPN.com.

Information on all X Games events, including updated athletes lists, can be found at www.expn.com for fans or at www.espneventmedia.com for media only.