Irvine, Calif. – The ESPN X Games has catapulted the popularity of action sports over the past 17 years and now the world’s top EnduroCross riders will get to showcase their talent on this amazing stage. X Games 17 will feature their version of “Enduro X” inside the Staples Center and the event will become part of the eight race series for the 2011 EnduroCross championship for the expert class. The top 20 riders from the 2010 EnduroCross championship will be invited to compete along with at least ten “Wild Card” entries from around the world. A separate women’s class will be open by invite only.

“We have been working with the ESPN staff for the past six years to make EnduroCross part of the X Games, so it is very exciting to make this a reality,” stated Eric Peronnard, the creator of EnduroCross. “Enduro X will showcase the amazing action and skills necessary to compete on such a challenging course to a whole new audience.”

ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC will combine to telecast 25 hours of live X Games 17 competition. In addition to the 25 original hours in high definition, the Worldwide Leader in Action Sports will also televise 18 hours of X Games action on ESPN 3D. More than 25 hours will also be distributed on ESPN3.com. Outside the United States, X Games 17 will be seen in more than 121 countries and territories to more than 106 million homes, including live telecasts in Africa, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Israel, Mexico, Middle East, New Zealand and South America.

Tickets for X Games 17 will be available for purchase June 23 at all Ticketmaster locations and the box office at STAPLES Center.

2011 GEICO AMA EnduroCross Schedule

Location Date Arena / Additional Information
Los Angeles, CA July 31, 2011 Staples Center     (Expert only during X-Games)
Everett, WA August 13, 2011 Comcast Arena
Indianapolis, IN August 26, 2011 Pepsi Coliseum    (Friday during MotoGP weekend)
Ontario, CA September 17, 2011 Citizens Bank Arena
Denver, CO October 1, 2011 National Western Complex
Boise, ID October 22, 2011 Idaho Center
Las Vegas, NV November 19, 2011 Orleans Arena      (Double Main event)

EnduroCross tracks incorporate various elements of extreme off road racing into a supercross-style setting, including rocks, boulders, logs, sand, mud, a water-hole… and even a few special obstacles like giant tires thrown in!  Known as the “toughest racing on two wheels,” this indoor off road racing will certainly keep you on your feet. Don’t miss your chance to see GEICO AMA EnduroCross “Live” – and be sure to log-on to www.motorsportshour.com for local air dates/times for the Lucas Motorsports Hour on the Versus network, which airs coverage of all six rounds of EnduroCross.