As expected, Formula USA and GPRA have made a formal announcement of their association for the 2001 season. According to a January 12 press release issued by Formula USA, “SFX Motor Sports Group announced today an agreement to partner with Grand Prix Riders Association (GPRA) for the promotion and operation of the GPRA 125cc GP and 250cc GP National Championship events held in conjunction with Championship Cup Series (CCS) and the Wrenchead.com, Formula USA National Road Race Series (NRRS) events. “Also announced is (sic) the GPRA Eastern and Western Region schedules. Championships will be earned in both 125cc GP and 250cc GP classes in both regions, with the National Championship Final being held at Daytona International Speedway on October 19-22, 2001. “‘GPRA is excited to be involved with SFX Motor Sports Group on our events in 2001,’ said Chris Wallace, Director of Operations for GPRA. ‘This partnership will benefit those dedicated riders of Grand Prix machinery with increased exposure and purses.’ “‘Partnering with GPRA will help put true Grand Prix equipment and racing in front of a wider audience,’ said Bill Syfan, Director of Road Racing for SFX Motor Sports Group, ‘and will help expand the popularity of Grand Prix racing across the country.’ “In the partnership, SFX will be responsible for licensing, registration and scoring of GPRA classes held in conjunction with CCS or NRRS events. GPRA will be responsible for purses, contingencies, trophies and prizes at all events. SFX and GPRA will share in the promotion and marketing of the GPRA series.” The release listed GPRA Western Region dates April 19-22 in conjunction with a Formula USA round at Willow Springs, April 28-29 in conjunction with a CCS race at Thunderhill, June 30-July 1 in conjunction with a CCS race at Buttonwillow, August 4-5 in conjunction with a WMRRA race at Seattle and September 7-9 in conjunction with a Formula USA race at Portland. Eastern Region dates listed included March 1-4 at Daytona with Formula USA, April 27-29 with CCS at Road America, June 2-3 with CCS/GLRRA at Grattan, June 29-July 1 at Virginia with Formula USA and August 24-26 with Formula USA at Pocono. The GPRA National Championship Final will be held October 18-21 at Daytona, with the Formula USA final and CCS Race Of Champions.