For Innovative Engineering Excellence in the Field of Race Car Design

The Louis Schwitzer Award for Engineering Innovation and Excellence began in 1967. It was created by the SAE Indiana Section to honor Louis Schwitzer, a long time SAE member, past Section Chair, strong civic leader in Indiana and advocate for education.

On August 19, 1909, in the inaugural weekend of racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the winner of the first event was Mr. Schwitzer. Trained as an automobile engineer, not a professional driver, he drove a Stoddard-Dayton powered by a four cylinder, 212 cubic inch engine with an average speed of 57.4 mile per hour on the dirt track.

In 1918, at the age of 38, he opened his own company, manufacturing automotive cooling fans. In 1999, BorgWarner purchased Schwitzer Inc., and joined with the SAE Indiana Section to sponsor this award in his name. It is presented each year to an individual or team that has demonstrated engineering innovation and excellence in racecar design and development.

History of the Louis Schwitzer Award

The Spirit of the BorgWarner Louis Schwitzer Award

Louis Schwitzer Biography

2009 recipient - Jeff Horton: press release and award photo

History of recipients through 2009