The Jeep® brand will award a 2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon to the Most Outstanding Athlete of the Winter X Games VII, being held January 30 - February 2 in Aspen, Colo.  Jeep is one of the sponsors of this year's event, at which more than 250 athletes compete for medals and more than $500,000 in prize money. "Action sports are exploding in their popularity, not only with young people but with all sport enthusiasts," said Jeff Bell, vice president, Jeep Division, DaimlerChrysler Corporation.  "Just like the Winter X Games, Jeep is all about freedom and adventure."

In addition to awarding a new Jeep Rubicon Wrangler, the Jeep brand will host a lodge at the base of Buttermilk Mountain where athletes Kelly Clark and Ross Powers will sign autographs.  Clark will be available February 1-2 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and Powers the same days from 1-3 p.m.

The Winter X Games will be telecast January 30 - February 4 on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC Sports in 10 languages to 145 countries and territories reaching more than 110 million homes around the world.

"These games are just like Jeep- - they have a go-anywhere, do-anything attitude," Bell said.  "Action sports involve creativity and self expression, customizing equipment and developing ways to challenge convention.  Jeep vehicles do the same thing.  They help people to enjoy the challenges and inspiration presented by nature.  Jeep owners are driven by their vehicle's capability, maneuverability and individuality."

This year is the Jeep brand's second year as a sponsor of the Winter X Games.  The brand is also celebrating the 10th anniversary of its own ski and snowboard series, Jeep King of the Mountain Series.