The new Formula Lites class powered by a slightly modified Honda K24 crate engine kicks off in May with a race at Connecticut’s Thompson Speedway. Overall the series will run 12 times over six weekends in 2015.

EngineLabs followed the announcement last year that Honda had been chosen for the new SCCA Pro Racing open-wheel class. Officials had also considered a Volkswagen engine for the FL-15 monocoque chassis, which is manufactured by Crawford Composites and built to FIA Formula 3 specs. The car was unveiled at SEMA last year in the Pirelli booth, but now images are surfacing the engine in full race trim.

The K24 engines are delivered to Formula Lites officials where they’re fitted with dry-sump oiling and mated with a spec ECU. This is similar to the USAC Midget program that runs the K24 engine, also covered by EngineLabs. A rev limit of 7,000 rpm will be imposed, and the engine’s life cycle is expected to cover 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Formula Lites and Honda Performance Development (HPD) will have tech personnel at all the races.

“We couldn’t be more impressed with this Formula Lites car and their plans for the series,” says Jeff Barrow, HPD manager for commercial motorsports.

The new series was developed by former IndyCar team manager Dennis McCormack and Baja 1000-winning off-road racer Ryan Arciero. The 1,150-pound cars will feature a paddle-shifted 6-speed transmission, adjustable pushrod suspensions and full safety gear. Turn-key, race-ready cars are available for $120,900.