AUBURN HILLS, Mich.,
May 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The
53rd annual Louis
Schwitzer Award was awarded to engineers Cara Adams, Brett
Schilling and Phil Severyn
for their expertise in developing the Firestone Firehawk 2019 Indy
500 Race Tire. Ms. Adams is the first female engineer to win a
Louis Schwitzer award. BorgWarner
and the Indiana Section of the Society of Automotive Engineers
(SAE) International presented the award, along with a $10,000 prize, to the engineers at Indianapolis
Motor Speedway (IMS).
"While the Borg-Warner Trophy® celebrates the
driver's racing achievement, the Louis
Schwitzer Award recognizes the efforts of the engineers who
invent and develop innovative technologies in the NTT IndyCar
Series®," said Frederic Lissalde, President and CEO,
BorgWarner Inc. "Without their creativity, dedication and hard
work, open wheel racing wouldn't be at the level it is today, and
we are honored to be able to recognize their efforts."
Focusing on new technology with applications in the engine,
powertrain, profile, chassis or safety, and that adhere to the Indy
Racing Series specifications, the Louis
Schwitzer Award honors engineers who develop innovative new
concepts to improve competitive potential. It is presented to
engineers, by engineers, and judges aim to recognize advancements
that increase performance, safety or efficiency.
"As the official turbocharger supplier to the NTT IndyCar
Series, we have a vested interest in seeing the Series' technology
advance and evolve. We are honored to once again sponsor this
awards program and commend Cara, Brett and Phil for their
excellence in engineering technologies that will help drive the
racing industry forward," continued Lissalde.
The innovative change in construction of the Firestone Firehawk
2019 Indy 500 Race Tire improved the footprint of the tire,
resulting in the lateral grip being less dependent on aerodynamic
downforce. In addition, a change in the tire compound improved the
mechanical grip. These changes are especially beneficial in race
traffic when the aero load on the right front tire is reduced due
to leading car turbulence. The tire construction changes allow for
a more consistent level of performance.
Beyond celebrating engineering excellence, the award
memorializes Louis Schwitzer, who
won the first auto race at the IMS in 1909 and designed the "Marmon
Yellow Jacket" engine that powered the Marmon Wasp to victory at
the first Indianapolis 500 in
1911. After founding Schwitzer Corporation in 1918, Schwitzer led
the IMS technical committee and maintained a strong association
with SAE throughout his career. BorgWarner acquired Schwitzer
Corporation in 1999 to expand BorgWarner's turbocharger and engine
cooling system offerings.
When it comes to the Indianapolis 500, BorgWarner's heritage runs
deep, centering around the famous Borg-Warner Trophy, which has
been awarded to the winner of the big race every year since 1936.
Originally costing $10,000, the
Borg-Warner Trophy is one of the most recognized trophies in the
world and is coveted by every driver that enters the race.
Likewise, BorgWarner's role as the Official Turbocharger Partner of
the NTT IndyCar Series means its EFR™ (Engineered for Racing)
turbochargers boost the engine of every car participating in the
Indianapolis 500. Built for
reliability, the turbochargers deliver an unprecedented combination
of advanced technologies including: Gamma-Ti (titanium aluminide)
turbine wheels, ceramic ball bearings and stainless steel turbine
housings.
About BorgWarner
BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE: BWA) is a
global product leader in clean and efficient technology solutions
for combustion, hybrid and electric vehicles. With manufacturing
and technical facilities in 68 locations in 19 countries, the
company employs approximately 30,000 worldwide. For more
information, please visit borgwarner.com.
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SOURCE BorgWarner