From a press release issued by Eric Nacke:

(Grand Rapids, Michigan) After six years as a regional road racing sanctioning body the Great Lake Road Racing Association LLC has changed its name to Michigan Grand Prix Racing LLC. The name change is part of a new marketing campaign designed to promote road racing and highlight regional racing stars.

The 2002 season will see MGP road racing host 6 events at Grattan Raceway Park in conjunction with a new motorcycle destination event called the Midwest Cycle Fest. Each weekend will feature 19 traditional club level races with Sunday’s events being promoted as premier classes. Discount passes and promotional materials will be available at all Midwestern Yamaha dealers.

Other events taking place each weekend include MMX Supercross, stunt shows featuring the award winning ten-ninety6 stunt team, and trials competition. “These events are designed to bring motorcycle enthusiasts together from all over,” commented series founder Eric Nacke. “We have run our supercross and road racing events together this past season and to hear us start 40 superbikes at the same time as dropping the gate for our 250 main event is mind blowing, the fans love it.”

To handle the increased spectatorship Grattan Raceway Park is in the final year of a 2-year program designed to modernize its facilities. Well known among road racers as a technically challenging two-mile racetrack, Grattan now features a three-quarter mile natural terrain supercross track and new concession stands.

Also new for 2002 will be MGP’s unique rider appearance packages along with each racer’s ability to earn cash through ticket sales. Regional television coverage of the series has been secured by parent company Jade Pig Productions who will tape Sunday’s events live for delayed broadcast later that night.

Information regarding the series and the new track improvements is available at www.midwestcyclefest.com.