Louis Schwitzer was born in Bielitz, Austria-Hungary back in 1880. He emigrated to the United States before WWI. I don’t have a lot of information as to his education however, what I can tell you is that he worked as an engineer designing hydraulics for use in bus transportation. He was also a pioneer in automotive cooling fans, water pumps, oil pumps and the turbocharger.
Because of his work he made a small fortune in business and became a philanthropist. The University of Indianapolis bears his name as does the women’s dormitory at the nearby Butler University. He died in 1967 at 87 years old. however, can you tell me what he will be noted in the history books for? Well as usual you’re in luck. He won the first automobile race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway which was a blistering 5-mile race in 1909. In recognition of his contributions the Louis H Schwitzer Award for Design Innovation is presented annually after each running of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race. He was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 1970
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