Louis H. Schwitzer

Louis H Schwitzer (February 29, 1880(1880-02-29) - May 9, 1967(1967-05-09) (aged 87)) was born in Bielitz, Austria-Hungary, and emigrated to America before World War I.

As an engineer, he was influential in designing hydraulics for use in bus transportation. He pioneered improvements in automotive cooling fans, water pumps and oil pumps, and also invented the turbocharger.[1]

As an automobile race driver, Schwitzer won the first automobile race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), a five mile race on August 19, 1909. He is known to have started five races at IMS in 1909 and 1910.[2][3] He also drove relief, for Harry Cobe, in the first Indianapois 500.[4][5] Schwitzer served on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Technical Committee from 1912 through 1945.[1]

In recognition of his contributions to the early developmental history of American motorsports, the Louis H. Schwitzer Award for Design Innovation, presented annually after each running of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, is named after him.

In 1970, Schwitzer was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame.[6]

Schwitzer donated many buildings to schools and colleges in Indiana. The Student Center at the University of Indianapolis bears his name.

He had one son, Louis H Schwitzer Jr.(d 1973) One Grandson, Louis H Schwitzer III (1945- ) Three Great-Grandchildren, Louis H Schwitzer IV (1970- ), Carl Schwitzer (1973- ), Heidi Schwitzer (1975- )

References

  1. ^ a b 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 http://www.cruise-in.com/resource/cismar03.htm
  2. ^ Scott, D. Bruce; INDY: Racing Before the 500; Indiana Reflections; 2005; ISBN 0-9766149-0-1.
  3. ^ Galpin, Darren; A Record of Motorsport Racing Before World War I.
  4. ^ http://www.champcarstats.com/
  5. ^ http://www.motorsport.com/stats/champ/byyear
  6. ^ http://automotivehalloffame.org/honors/index.php

http://www.firstsuperspeedway.com/sites/default/files/Indianapolis_Speedway_William_Borque.pdf http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/05/20/461933.html

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/05/20/461933.html

Louis Henry Schwitzer's Family

One son: Louis Henry Schwitzer Jr. One Grandson: Louis Henry Schwitzer III, once married to Phyllis Carlson Three Great-Grandchildren: Louis Henry Schwitzer IV, once married to Heidi Kruckeburg and now to Leah York, Carl Schwitzer, married to Rose Schwitzer, Heidi Rozeske, married to John Rozeske Two Daughters of Louis Henry Schwitzer IV: Madison (1997) and Mason (1998) Schwitzer Seven Children of Carl Schwitzer: Mary Lou, Jack, Nathan, Ryan, James, Hannah and Levi Schwitzer Heidi Rozeske has no children.

External links