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Louis Schwitzer’s design innovation and excellence in engineering continues today.

Sunday, May 19th, 2013

Louis “Louie” Schwitzer’s contributions to design innovation and excellence in engineering continues today.

In his honor, the Indiana Section of SAE International and BorgWarner present the BorgWarner Louis Schwitzer Award each year for innovation and engineering excellence in race car design at the Indianapolis 500.

The Schwitzer saga started on August 19, 1909, when a crowd of 15,000 persons gathered at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the inaugural weekend of racing. The winner of the first five mile race, Schwitzer, turned out to be an automotive engineer, not a professional racing car driver.

His car was a stripped down Stoddard Dayton touring car powered by a four cylinder engine. It traveled at an average speed of 57.4 miles per hour for five miles on the macadam track. The driver was nicknamed “Louie”.

Born in Austria, Louie had the advantage of a formal education in mechanical and design engineering. He left Austria at the turn of the century, arriving in America with only $18 in his pocket.

Louie entered the automobile industry as an engineer for Pierce Arrow, working on one of the first six-cylinder engines made in America. A chance meeting with industrialist Howard C. Marmon brought an invitation to Indianapolis.

Louie found the “action” he sought in Indianapolis with his new job as design engineer at Nordyke and Marmon. He helped design the famous “Marmon Yellow Jacket” engine which powered the winning Marmon racing car driven by Ray Harroun in winning the first Indy 500 in 1911. Later, Schwitzer joined the Atlas Engine Works as chief engineer. No longer a driver, Louie opted to join the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Technical Committee in 1912, serving as its chairman from 1919 through 1945.

Louis Schwitzer

Used with permission of the

National Automotive History Collection

at Detroit Public Library

Also in 1912, Louie joined the Empire Motor Car Company, leaving in 1914 to join the United States Army Motor Transport Corps. He was deeply involved in the design of class ‘B’ military trucks and the 150 240 mm gun mounts. In fact, Louie remained active in Ordnance affairs for the rest of his life.

After World War I, Louie felt he could serve the automotive industry better by improving upon existing cooling systems. He started his own business in a one room factory late in 1918 to manufacture automotive cooling fans. When asked by an interviewer why he chose a cooling fan as his first product, he calmly replied, “Because I know more about them than anyone”.

During the 1920′s, Schwitzer built probably the first high production super charger for gasoline and diesel engines in America. The experience gained in gear production from the oil pump business was easily transferred to ‘positive displacement’ (rotor) type superchargers, which used drive gears to time the revolving two or three lobe rotors. The first application was on a Stutz Bearcat.

After World War II, Schwitzer replaced the more wasteful gear driven superchargers with “turbo chargers” in which the impeller wheel was driven by a turbine wheel using spent exhaust gases. Schwitzer’s low cost, efficient turbochargers were introduced on the Cummins diesel powered racing car which won the pole position for the 1952 Indianapolis 500. Today, turbochargers are considered standard equipment on almost all diesel powered engines.

Louie Schwitzer retired from the Schwitzer Corporation (now Schwitzer Incorporated), in 1964 at age 83. He died three years later at his Indianapolis home. In recognition of this true automotive pioneer, the Indiana Section SAE annually presents the BorgWarner Louis Schwitzer Award for innovation and engineering excellence in race car design.

2013 Annual Louis Schwitzer Award winners

This year on Friday, May 17th, the award was given to Firestone engineers Dale Harrigle and Brett Schilling for their team’s efforts in developing the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tire. First introduced in 1995, the tire has demonstrated continuous innovation and excellence in engineering.

The Firestone team carries on the legacy of design innovation and excellence in engineering today at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Publishers note: Nordyke & Marmon Co., Empire Motor Car Co., and Schwitzer Corporation were all Indianapolis based firms. Thus, Indianapolis and Indiana enjoyed Louis Schwitzer’s many accomplishments from the first days of the Speedway throughout his life.

Tags: BorgWarner, BorgWarner Louis Schwitzer Award, Empire Motor Car Co., Howard C. Marmon, Indiana Section of SAE International, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Louie Schwitzer, Louis Schwitzer, Louis Schwitzer Award, Nordyke & Marmon Co., Schwitzer Corporation
Posted in Vintage Indianapolis 500 | No Comments »

2013 Celebration of Automobiles a success

Monday, May 13th, 2013

Despite the cold weather, the 2013 Celebration of Automobiles at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was a visual treat. When the sun broke through the clouds shortly after 1 pm, the warmer temperature helped in presenting a good impression.

1925 Dusesenberg Model A

Indiana-built cars were well represented by Auburn, Cole, Cord, Duesenberg, Marmon, National, and Stutz entries. One that immediately caught my attention was Eric Killorin’s 1925 Dusesenberg Model A touring car. The car was eye-catching and Eric’s story was fascinating. Eric shared how his father came to Indianapolis in 1929 seeking employment at Duesenberg Motors Corporation. There were no skilled trades jobs immediately available, so, his father started as a floor sweeper and worked his up to working in final assembly in 1929 and 1930. This Duesenberg has been in the family since 1945. His father’s Duesenberg coveralls rested proudly on the car’s tonneau cover.

1930 Stutz SV16 Monte Carlo

Right across Pagoda Plaza was Joseph & Margie Cassini’s 1930 Stutz SV16 Monte Carlo Sedan. This stunning car features a leatherette Weyman-American body produced in Indianapolis. These bodies were flexible, light-weight, and free of the squeaks and rattles that plagued conventional bodies. What a great example of these innovative designs.

1920 Cole 870 Aero-Eight

Another interesting Indianapolis-built car was Beauford Hall’s 1920 Cole 870 Aero-Eight seven passenger touring car. This Cole represented the style and elegance of Cole’s offerings in the early 1920’s. At the time, Cole ranked second only to Cadillac among America’s high-priced automakers. You rode in style in this luxurious blue tourer. One unique feature of the car is the self-contained air compressor in the engine compartment.

The Celebration of Automobiles continues to grow into a can’t miss event for car aficionados. Everyone I talked to had stories to share about the cars they enjoy.

Tags: Auburn, Celebration of Automobiles, Cole, Cord, Duesenberg, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Marmon, National, Stutz
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Indianapolis-built cars at the 1910 New York Auto Show

Sunday, March 17th, 2013

It is interesting how two Indianapolis auto manufacturers marketed their wares at the 1910 New York Auto Show. Both exhibitors touted their recent successes at 1909 Inaugural events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

1909 Nordyke & Marmon ad
Copyright © 1909 Nordyke & Marmon Co.

Nordyke & Marmon featured their “Thirty-Two” models with the racer that Ray Harroun drove to victory in the 10-mile Free-for-All Handicap race on Thursday, August 19, 1909. Other show models included touring car, suburban, and roadster models.

These Marmons showcased their patented oil pressure lubrication system that was introduced in 1904. This use of full-pressure lubrication was the earliest application of a system that has long since become universal to internal combustion engine design.

These 1910 models also utilized a trans-axle unit rear end. This arrangement afforded easy inspection and servicing of the single unit. Oversized brakes with an adjusting feature showed careful forethought in design. The equipment on the Marmon was of exceptionally high quality.

1909 National ad
Copyright © 1909 National Motor Vehicle Co.

The display of the National Motor Vehicle Co. centered around National “40” models with one five-passenger touring car, one four-passenger toy tonneau, one two-passenger Speedway model, and a reproduction of the stock models they had been using in speed contests at the Atlanta Speedway, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the Vanderbilt Cup race.

National’s exhibit centered on an unfinished National “40” chassis. This model with a list price at $2,500 was a worthy successor to the company’s previous car. This 40 horsepower model offered a great deal more power, a longer wheelbase, a roomier interior, larger wheels, and tires for less money. The company felt the National “40” covered all of the requirements of the average purchaser who was seeking to get more for his money each year.

National was proud of its racing heritage and emphasized its undefeated string of class hill climb wins and its share of speedway victories. The company pride showed with introduction of National “40” model for the 1910 season.

In the early days of the automobile, Indianapolis-built cars were proudly displayed across the country.

Tags: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Marmon “Thirty-Two”, National, National Motor Vehicle Co., National “40”, New York Auto Show, Nordyke & Marmon
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What a weekend.

Monday, January 28th, 2013

Wow, I had a great time last weekend at the 45th Annual Hoosier Auto Show & Swap Meet Automotive Literature & Small Collectible Exchange.

While many auto enthusiasts gather in balmy Arizona for the winter auto auctions, fellow Hoosier auto nuts gathered at the Brickyard Crossing Pavilion in Speedway for this popular event.

Dennis E. Horvath at the

Hoosier Auto Show & Swap Meet

Copyright © 2013

In addition to my author signing event for our book Indiana cars: A History of the Automobile in Indiana, I had the chance to be photographed with Parnelli Jones’ baby Borg Warner trophy. Parnelli had recently passed through Indianapolis and left the trophy at the show for this photo opportunity.

This was a special treat for me because it reminded me of attending my first Indianapolis 500 in 1963 and seeing Parnelli, my favorite driver, win. I’ve previously shared the story of my first 500, and this was a great reminder.

I always find this to be a great event to peruse automotive literature. I usually find something to add to my collection. This year I found 1950’s copies of Speed Age Magazine that I plan to use for future articles and blogs.

It’s a great place to network with other auto enthusiasts. One person shared photos of the 1951 Studebaker convertible that he had found on ebay. Others talked about previous years’ auto events and some in the future.

I recommend the Hoosier Auto Show & Swap Meet Automotive Literature & Small Collectible Exchange as a great winter auto event. You know where I’ll be during the third weekend of next January.

Tags: Hoosier Auto Show & Swap Meet, Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Parnelli Jones
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Is this an automotive first, part two.

Tuesday, January 8th, 2013

While arranging my literature collection for the New Year, I came across three articles noting items that may be automotive firsts. It is interesting to look at these innovations from 95 years ago and note that similar recent innovations may be old hat.

1912 Henderson driver’s area

The Henderson Motor Car was introduced on May 30, 1912, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and featured a console-mounted gear-shift between the front seat cushions. I remember console-mounted gear-shifts from the early 1950’s, but the Henderson unit predates this by 40 years. This gear-shift uses the familiar H pattern to control a Stutz Auto Parts Company rear transaxle unit. Henderson claimed that the convenient location of the lever, together with the short movement necessary, made gear-shifting very easy. This also helped to unclutter the driver’s area.

1916 Apperson “Chummy”ad

The 1916 Apperson “Chummy” four-passenger roadster offered exclusive seating for four in a sleek sporty style. This unique feature also predates four-seat mid-century sports cars. Apperson ad copy states: “Graceful in line, long, and low, the Chummy Roadster has a rakish swing and an aggressive air. It seems alive with ‘pent-up’ eagerness to go. It is a type of car to delight the sportsman who demands power and speed above all else.” The roadster’s separate front seats are divided by an aisle-way giving access to the rear bench-seat. Wouldn’t this seating arrangement be chummy today?

1917 Overland

I thought voice-activated automotive controls were a recent development. How about this instance of a voice-activated starter on a 1917 Overland Automobile at the Gibson Company in Indianapolis? The photo caption explained “J. C. Harris, manager of the service department, has used a very sensitive telephone transmitter and a series of relays in such a way that when one speaks into the transmitter sufficient energy is developed to operate the regular starting apparatus. As a result when one says ‘Start’ into the transmitter the engine starts, and when he says ‘Stop’ the engine stops.” Check out the wiring running across the floor from the control relays to the automobile. I guess the modern-day packaging of electronics makes this possible today.

One thing I especially enjoy about early auto advertisements is their outlandish claims to sell products. We can look at these early advertisements and get some idea of how advertising transformed through the years. These automotive firsts are commonplace today but were innovative in their day.

Tags: Apperson, automotive first, Henderson Motor Car, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Overland Automobile, Stutz Auto Parts Company
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Lincoln Highway Event Rates “Wow”

Monday, September 24th, 2012

I have to say, Wow! What an incredible experience for this weekend’s Indiana Lincoln Highway Association’s Centennial Event. A group of Lincoln Highway enthusiasts from Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois gathered in Indianapolis to celebrate the centennial of the announcement of the nation’s first transcontinental highway at the Athenaeum in Indianapolis.

We kicked-off our celebration at the James A. Allison, Carl G. Fisher, and Frank H. Wheeler’s mansions along millionaire row on the Marian University campus. We got an inside look at these 100 year-old time capsules of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, automotive, and transportation founders. I intend to visit the campus again for further exploration. Thanks to Deborah Lawrence for hosting us.

Allison Mansion
Copyright ©2012 Dennis E. Horvath

On Friday afternoon we continued with an Auto Pioneer Burial Site Tour at Crown Hill Cemetery nestled along the Dixie Highway. Auto pioneers Carl G. Fisher and Louis Schwitzer are buried on Strawberry Hill near James Whitcomb Riley, President Benjamin Harrison, and Eli Lilly. Later, we toured the Stutz Motor Car Company complex on Capitol Avenue to view some automobiles built in the building from 1912 -1935. Building proprietor Turner J. Woodard has autos ranging from a Stutz Bearcat to a Stutz Pak-Age-Car. Everyone enjoyed his and Anne Jester’s hospitality.

Our Saturday morning, Auto Pioneers Tour visited some mansions along Meridian Street and Fall Creek Parkway. We then continued along Indianapolis’ Automobile Row on North Capitol and auto manufacturing sites around the belt railroads circling the city. Our morning tour finished, with some shopping along Massachusetts Avenue.

Our luncheon celebrated the centennial of Carl Fisher’s and James Allison’s announcement of the Lincoln Highway at the Athenaeum on September 10, 1912. Everyone enjoyed character speaker Jeff Kuehl who addressed the group as Carl Fisher. We were transported to 1912 as Fisher elaborated on his thoughts about automobiling across the country.

Athenaeum
Copyright ©2012 Dennis E. Horvath

After lunch, we went to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum to see Fisher’s custom-built 1903 Premier racer designed for the Vanderbilt Cup Race and the Fisher-era Stoddard-Dayton. It seems like every time I visit the museum that there is something new to study. Everyone gathered around one of the racers for a group photo. Who is that mystery driver? Our afternoon finished up by touring by the Prest-O-Lite and Allison Engineering factories on Main Street in Speedway.

Lincoln Highway Centennial Event
Copyright ©2012 Dennis E. Horvath

It is interesting how this part of Indianapolis’ business and social heritage started about 120 years ago when Carl G. Fisher, James A. Allison, and Arthur C. Newby met while being members of the Zig-Zag Cycling Club during the 1890’s bicycle craze. Their friendships went on to form the genesis for ventures like the Fisher Automobile Company, Prest-O-Lite Company, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Lincoln Highway, the Dixie Highway, the development of Miami Beach, Allison Engineering Company, Allison Transmission, Indianapolis Stamping Company (the predecessor of today’s Diamond Chain Company), and National Automobile Company. These men and their ideas have brought employment and enjoyment to tens of thousand’s of individuals through the years.

Much new information and camaraderie was shared by all tour participants. It will take many days for the special feeling of this event to wear off. I can’t wait until the next Indiana Lincoln Highway Association event to discover some more new experiences.

Tags: Allison Engineering Company, Arthur C. Newby, Carl G. Fisher, Crown Hill Cemetery, Dixie Highway, Frank H. Wheeler, Indiana Lincoln Highway Association, Indianapolis Automobile Row, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum, James A. Allison, Jeff Kuehl, Lincoln Highway, Marian University, Prest-O-Lite, Stutz Motor Car Company
Posted in Car Culture | 1 Comment »

Happy Centennial, Speedway Indiana

Wednesday, July 4th, 2012

July 3, 2012, marks the centennial of the founding of the town of Speedway Indiana. This date commemorates the transfer of the deeds for the 240 acre site to Carl G. Fisher and James A. Allison, owners of the Globe Realty Company, and Lemon H. Trotter, their real estate partner.

The partners conceived Speedway to be a horseless manufacturing city adjacent to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway served by two railroads and modern thoroughfares. The city was designed to be attractive to skilled workers to provide steady employment for the nearby factories.

The realty company laid out the residential section on a grid of streets between 16th and 10th streets and between Main and Winton. The east side of Main Street was platted for factories.

Fisher and Allison’s Prest-O-Lite Company was the first to build five buildings on the north plat near 16th Street. The charging building was located at the far end of the property to preclude damage to other properties from possible gas explosions. This facility opened in May 12, 1913. Swartz Electric Company, makers of automobile batteries and electric appliances, opened its plant about the same time. The Electric Steel Company completed facilities in 1915.

The lots on the west side of Main Street were specified for stores and offices. In late 1916, Allison became the sole owner of the Indianapolis Speedway Team Company and moved operations to a small shop on the corner of the Prest-O-Lite lot. The morning after America declared war on Germany in 1917, Allison instructed his chief engineer to find out how to get war orders going. Thus, the Allison Experimental Company was founded. Allison Experimental Company Plant 1 was built on the south side of 13th and Main Street in 1917 for the production of Liberty aircraft engines and other war material.

Other factories followed and the residential streets began to fill up. In 1926, the town was incorporated and experienced explosive growth during World War II, when the company now known as Allison Division of General Motors became a large manufacturer of military aircraft engines.

Speedway is experiencing renewal along Main Street in this new century. I wish a Happy Centennial to Speedway Indiana.

Tags: Allison Experimental Company, Carl G. Fisher, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, James A. Allison, Prest-O-Lite Company, Speedway Indiana
Posted in Auto Landmarks | No Comments »

My First Indy 500

Friday, May 25th, 2012

This past week at my Toastmasters club, each member reminisced about his or her first Indy 500. I thought I would share my memories of the race along with some documentation from the Indianapolis Star.

As some of you might know, I attended Indianapolis 500 practice and qualifications with my dad and uncles starting in the early 1950’s. I really enjoyed watching the activities from many vantage points around the track. One of my favorites is in the grandstand outside of turn one. I especially liked watching the drivers work their roadsters through the curve. Every driver had his particular groove around the track.

My dad enjoyed listening to the race on the radio instead of being there in person, so I was left to my own devices to go to the race. Finally, on Thursday, May 30, 1963, my chance arrived. One of my neighborhood buddies, dad was an Indianapolis Motor Speedway patrolman and saved us a place along the fence inside of turn one. There I was with 275,000 other people watching all of the pre-race festivities from our prime spot on the fence.

We were unaware that Indianapolis Star photographer Tommy Wadelton was documenting the action from the other side of the fence. There we were in the middle of his photograph published in the Indianapolis Star on May 24, 1964. That skinny kid in sunglasses with a flat-top in the second row is me. Just to my right behind me was Jay Skoda and to my right in the front row was Larry Stroudman. I wasn’t wearing a hat to cover my head on that sunny day and that caused me to get a bad sun burn on my scalp. So that’s why you most always see me with a hat of some kind.

Oh well, back to the race. My favorite driver, Parnelli Jones, started the race in pole position. Jim Hurtubise started in the middle of the first row. Hurtubise led the first lap of the race, but Parnelli recaptured the lead on the second lap. About mid-way through the race, signs of oil started to show on the external oil tank of Parnelli’s car. Every lap we wondered if he would be black flagged for dropping oil. Finally, the concern about dropping oil went away. Yahoo! Parnell won the race with Jimmy Clark finishing second in a rear-engine Lotus Powered by Ford racer.

Memories of my first Indy 500 are fresh in my mind today, some 49 years later. That 1963 race was the first of many at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It was probably one of the things that sparked my interest in automobiles. See you at the track.

Tags: Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indy 500, Jimmy Clark, Parnelli Jones
Posted in Vintage Indianapolis 500 | No Comments »

They Call Me Mister 500, Anthony (Andy) Granatelli

Monday, May 21st, 2012

I really enjoy stories about mid-twentieth century racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and They Call Me Mister 500 is one of the best. It chronicles the events in a 23-plus year saga of the Granatelli brothers, Joe, Andy, and Vince, in their attempts to win the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. Author Andy Granatelli describes their journey from a speed shop in suburban Chicago in 1946 all the way to winning the 500 in 1969.

Jimmy Clark's 1966 STP Gas Treatment Special

All three Granatelli brothers probably had gasoline in their veins as they grew up during the Depression hawking their automotive knowledge along Halsted Street in Chicago. All of their experience hopping-up cars led them to establish Grancor, a speed shop and one of the premier mail-order speed equipment businesses in the country in 1944. Plus, they had their eyes on a grand prize – the Indy 500 trophy.

A quote from Andy explains the elixir of the Indianapolis 500: “Indy is a special brand of hypnotism, and it sets up an impossible dream. And, in all this, I am like everyone else. I love it; I hate it. Yet, it draws me as it does the rest of them.” So, in 1946, the brothers modified a 1935 front-wheel-drive Miller-Ford and qualified in 33rd position for their first 500. Driver Danny Kladis improved his position to near the top 10 only to drop out of the race due to a pit stop error.

Most of my memories of the Granatelli racers are of the mid-1960s. I can remember Jim Hurtubise starting in a Granatelli-entered Novi on the outside of the front row in the 1963 race and setting a new track record while leading the first lap. Jimmy Clark drove the STP Gas Treatment Special Lotus-Ford to second place in 1966. Parnelli Jones was leading the 1967 race in the STP Turbine Car when a six-dollar bearing failed and sidelined him on lap 197. Finally in 1969, Mario Andretti drove the STP Oil Treatment Special to win the Indianapolis 500. The Granatelli brothers dreams of winning were finally realized after thinking about and working toward it for over 30 years.

I thoroughly enjoyed how Andy Granatelli uses personal stories to weave you into the story. I found it to be a riveting rags-to-riches tale of how the Granatelli brothers grew up during the Depression and later enjoyed success at the pinnacle of American auto racing.

Peruse They Call Me Mister 500 at Amazon.com

Tags: Andy Granatelli, Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Posted in Vintage Indianapolis 500 | 1 Comment »

Second Annual Celebration of Automobiles

Sunday, May 13th, 2012

The Second Annual Celebration of Automobiles at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosted over 160 cars for opening day of the 96th running of the Indianapolis 500. The Vintage and Historic Car Show featured automobiles produced by manufacturers participating in the Indianapolis 500 during the 1920-1970 era and other significant manufacturers. around the Pagoda Plaza area.

The cars around the Pagoda Plaza were some of the best from the collectible car universe. A broad selection of Indiana-built autos ranged from a 1920 ReVere Tourer Phaeton to a 1961 Studebaker Lark VI. This ReVere, one of the approximate 247 produced, was an excellent example of this Logansport built car. The Studebaker Lark represented the other end of the Indiana manufacturing spectrum. Chrome trim on this model Lark ran above the natural front fender contour line with pin striping below for an interesting contrast.

A broad range of other domestic-built cars spanned from a 1920 Chevrolet FB Baby Grand touring car to a 1970 Oldsmobile 442 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car. This Chevrolet offered a great idea of the type of automobile that appealed to the ordinary driver of the era. I can still remember this white Olds convertible with twin broad black stripes and scoops pacing the race.

Non-domestic autos ranged from a 1928 Bugatti Tipo 40 Torpedo Speedster to a 1966 Ferrari 300GT 2+2 coupe. This blue Bugatti featured 2+2 seating for sleek open touring. The Ferrari red Pininfarina-designed coupe served as outstanding example of Italian styling of the era.

The Emerging Tech Showcase showcased the Purdue Collegiate evGrand Prix, in which students from colleges and universities race their electric-powered karts on a course next to the IMS Hall of Fame Museum. Since electric motors make no noise, only the squeal of skidding rubber could be heard as these electric karts zoomed around the race track. These collegiate competitors provided a glimpse into our automotive future.

The new Automobile Festival featured current and late model vehicles displayed inside Turn 2. One interesting offering in the festival was the DMC Electric, featuring remanufactured electric DeLorean Motor Cars, which can accelerate from 0 to 60 m.p.h. in 4.9 seconds and have a top speed of 125 m.p.h.

This year’s Celebration of Automobiles featured three events in one-track wide celebration. The Celebration expanded on the original mission of the Speedway to be a showplace for the American automobile. Mark your calendar for next year’s event. You won’t regret it.

Tags: Automobile Festival, Celebration of Automobiles, IMS Hall of Fame Museum, Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Purdue Collegiate evGrand Prix
Posted in Car Culture | 1 Comment »

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Posts Tagged ‘Indianapolis Motor Speedway’

Louis Schwitzer’s design innovation and excellence in engineering continues today.

Louis Schwitzer

Used with permission of the

National Automotive History Collection

at Detroit Public Library

2013 Annual Louis Schwitzer Award winners