SCCA Pro Racing: Formula Lites launched at SEMA

With the world’s largest automotive trade show as an impressive background, the team behind the new Formula Lite series finally gave the automotive universe a look at open-wheel racing’s promising future – the Crawford FL15.
 
Sharing space next to a modern Sauber Formula 1 car in Pirelli Tire North America’s booth at the Specialty Equipment Manufactures Association (SEMA) in Las Vegas, the sleek carbon fiber FL15 impressed a large crowd of motorsports, automotive and industry VIPs and journalists.

The new Formula Lites series, to be sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing beginning in 2015, is the brainchild of Dennis McCormack, Ryan Arciero and Max Crawford. Created to fill a longtime void in the United States open-wheel market, the Formula Lites concept incorporates the latest technology, high-quality engineering and a price point that offers a modern racing experience at a sensible purchase and operating costs.

"For a very long time there has been a void in American open-wheel racing that the FORMULA Lites concept fills with new thinking and technology," explained Arciero in front of a large SEMA crowd gathered to watch the unveiling. "This new car represents the very latest technology and engineering for a price that makes it not only easier to purchase, but maintain and race as well."

Designed and manufactured to the latest F3 FIA safety specs, the full carbon monocoque wraps a 2.4-liter, 16-valve Honda engine and a six-speed sequential gearbox featuring pneumatic paddle shifters -- a feature every veteran or aspiring race driver should be using in today's motorsports era.

Painted in an eye-catching bright red, the new Crawford FL15 incorporates state-of-the-art components from some of SEMA's most recognized names. The Formula Lites series has garnered corporate and technical partnerships from Pirelli, Honda/HRD, Eibach Springs, PFC Brakes and Impact Race Products.

Priced at just under $121,000 complete, the FL15 is slated to compete in a 12-race, six weekend SCCA Pro Racing Formula Lites championship series in 2015, with a final schedule expected be finalized in the coming weeks.

"This morning, we are proud to add this exciting new open-wheel series to our international motorsports footprint," explained Rafael Navarroi, Pirelli vp of communications, media relations, events, sponsorships, digital marketing and motorsports). "There is a reason the new Formula Lites FL15 is placed next to a Pirelli-shod Formula 1 Sauber. Now, there is a great, high-tech way to groom the next generation of open-wheel talent and Pirelli is the only tire company that can link both."

This week's 47th annual SEMA show is expected to draw nearly 130,000 exhibitors and attendees from more than 100 countries – all housed within one million square feet of display space. The event will be covered by more than 3,000 accredited journalists over the next four days.