Honda Performance Development will be the sole provider of engine power for the new Formula Lites series. Formula Lites, promoted by the High Performance Group headed by Dennis McCormack and Ryan Arciero, is sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing and will be hosting select events in 2014 with a full schedule planned for 2015.

Honda will offer the production 2.4L 4-cylinder K24 engine to complement the Formula Lites FL15 chassis produced by Crawford Composites. It’s expected that the class will be the next step in the Honda development ladder from karting and Formula F, giving drivers a chance to gain experience in a full-bodied car.

“We couldn’t be more impressed with this Formula Lites car and their plans for the series,” says Jeff Barrow, HPD manager, commercial motorsports. “In working with HPG and Crawford Composites, it was their goal to keep costs down and reliability up. I’m happy to say that our production Honda K24 engine will meet their requirements for cost and reliability, and at the same time provide great power to this fantastic looking car. I would expect that many of our current Honda Racing Line participants would love to get behind the wheel of one!”

The use of production engines in motorsports is rising, as it has become a way to achieve a number of goals – keeping cost down for the racer, providing valuable technical information on performance to the engine manufacturer, and allowing the racer to use an engine with readily-accessible parts.

“Crawford Composites is absolutely delighted to have one of our long-standing partners, Honda Performance Development, providing the engines for the new Crawford FL15,” said Max Crawford, president of Crawford Composites. “HPD produces some of the top engines in motorsports, and their long-standing commitment to auto racing has been tremendous. Together, the Crawford FL15 will be exceptionally affordable and, at the same time, a high tech vehicle enabling young drivers to continue to elevate their racing skills in the new Formula Lites series.”