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Borg-Warner Automotive to Sponsor 1999 Louis Schwitzer Award Recognizing Dallara Chassis Engineer

28 May 1999

Borg-Warner Automotive to Sponsor 1999 Louis Schwitzer Award Recognizing Dallara Chassis Engineer

    INDIANAPOLIS--May 28, 1999--Gian Paolo Dallara has been awarded the 33rd Louis Schwitzer Award for his improvements to the Dallara chassis.
    The award, given to engineers by engineers, recognizes outstanding engineering innovation and achievement in race car design for the Indianapolis 500.
    The 1999 Dallara chassis includes notable engineering advances over previous models. A number of aerodynamic improvements were made to chassis, resulting in an estimated 5% reduction in drag. The front wing was moved forward 20 mm. Side plates and rear tire flips were revised, and side pod radiator exits were moved from the top to the side for reduced drag. The engine inlet airbox was modified further in consideration of the airflow around the driver's helmet, and the undertray was updated with different radiator boxes and scallops. Several of this year's Indianapolis 500 contenders are benefiting from these aerodynamic enhancements.
    Development also focused on the suspension area, with a new optional spring arrangement for independent control of ride and roll stiffness. Although this allows for better control, most teams have kept the previous spring design. Continuing work on the suspension system should result in a more integrated design and some weight reduction.
    A native of Parma, Italy, Gian Paolo Dallara is president and owner of Dallara Automobili S.r.l., the company he founded in 1972. He holds a masters degree in aeronautical engineering from Polytechnic of Milan. His professional career has focused on automobile design and racing, and he worked with Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini and De Tomaso before forming his own company. In addition to his work with the IRL chassis, he has been a designer of F1, F3000, F3, Group C, and GT automobiles and designed Lamborghini's Miura.
    The Louis Schwitzer Award, named after the dynamic automotive pioneer Louis Schwitzer, has been presented annually since 1967 by the Indiana Section, Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Borg-Warner Automotive, sponsor of the Borg-Warner Indianapolis 500 trophy, recently purchased Indianapolis-based Schwitzer Group. The company is proud to continue the racing tradition of Louis Schwitzer by sponsoring the cash prize of $5,000 for the winners of the 1999 award.
    Borg-Warner Automotive Turbo Systems includes two former Schwitzer Group divisions, Schwitzer Engine Components and Kysor Cooling Systems. The Turbo Systems global business unit also includes the 3K-Warner turbocharger business in Europe.
    Chicago-based Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc. is a product leader in highly engineered components and systems primarily for vehicle powertrain applications. The company operates 54 manufacturing and technical facilities in 13 countries. Customers include Navistar, Peterbilt, Caterpillar, John Deere, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, Toyota, and VW.