Louis Henry Schwitzer (February 29, 1880 – May 9, 1967) was an American engineer and early racing driver who was the winner of the first auto race ever held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He later had a distinguished career as an engineer.
Early life
Schwitzer obtained degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering from the Technical University of Darmstadt and the University of Karlsruhe.
Engineering career
After arriving from Austria-Hungary, Schwitzer found work with Holzer-Cabot in Boston, Massachusetts. Schwitzer was influential in designing hydraulics for use in bus transportation. He also pioneered improvements in automotive cooling fans, water pumps and oil pumps, and the turbocharger.Kollins, Michael J.; "Louis Schwitzer performance pioneer had a hand in many Indianapolis automotive firms;" Wheels-Journal of the National Automotive History Collection; Winter/Spring 1998; Detroit Public Library. Article reprint posted at Schwitzer made a fortune in business and became a philanthropist.Higgins, Will; "Indy racing pioneer's Louis Schwitzer's Art Deco decor to be sold Saturday;" Indianapolis Star; October 4, 2013 The Student Center at the University of Indianapolis bears his name, as did a women's dormitory at nearby Butler University.
Racing career
Schwitzer also competed in a few early automobile races. As a driver, Schwitzer won the first event held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a five-mile race on August 19, 1909.Scott, D. Bruce; INDY: Racing Before the 500; Indiana Reflections; 2005; . He is known to have started five races at IMS during 1909 and 1910.Galpin, Darren; A Record of Motorsport Racing Before World War I. He also drove relief, for Harry Cobe, in the first Indianapolis 500. Schwitzer served on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Technical Committee from 1912 through 1945.
Legacy
In recognition of Schwitzer's contributions to the early developmental history of American motorsports, the Louis Schwitzer Award for design innovation is presented annually after each running of the Indianapolis 500.
In 1970, Schwitzer was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame.
Schwitzer is buried at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis.
References
http://www.firstsuperspeedway.com/sites/default/files/Indianapolis_Speedway_William_Borque.pdf http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/05/20/461933.html
External links