Since Lego began creating Mario sets, the company has consistently surprised fans by deviating from their expectations. The Super Mario series introduced an electronically-enhanced, play-forward modular design series rather than traditional playsets. Additionally, their one-off builds for adult collectors focused on elaborate model-making over minifigures. When fans anticipated a similar approach for this year’s Mario Kart sub-line, Lego surprised again by blending its Super Mario modularity with traditional elements, featuring brick-built vehicles and characters. This trend of surprise continues with their latest release.

To commemorate this year’s “Mario Day” (March 10), Lego unveiled a new 1,972-piece Mario Kart set that builds upon its previous Mario-themed collector builds. Instead of being a large-scale entry into the new sub-line, it’s an 8.5″-tall brick-built replica of Mario riding his iconic kart from the series.

Lego Mario Kart Mario and Standard Kart

Similar to builds like the Lego Bowser, this new karting kit features posability, allowing users to adjust Mario’s head and arms. The stand for the kart can also be tilted to create the illusion of drifting around a corner. Consistent with previous Mario sets (unlike last year’s Legend of Zelda set), this set does not include minifigures, as Lego continues to resist the demand for them in this series, despite releasing a string of exciting sets.

Perhaps the wait will continue until the next Mario Day.

The Lego Mario Kart Mario and Standard Kart set is available for pre-order now, with a release date set for May 15 and a price of $170.

For more io9 news, check out the upcoming release dates for Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek, as well as what’s in store for the DC Universe on film and TV, and all the latest on Doctor Who.