At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) on May 19, 2023, BorgWarner celebrated three engineers – Selda Gunsel, Ph.D., Bassem Kheireddin, Ph.D. and Jung Fang, Ph.D. – who were honored with the 2023 Louis Schwitzer Award for their Shell 100% Renewable Race Fuel, which has been adopted by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
In addition to the award, BorgWarner and the Indiana Section of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International presented Gunsel, Kheireddin and Fang with a $10,000 prize which will be donated to a charitable organization.
BorgWarner says the new Shell Race Fuel is 100% renewable, utilizing second generation ethanol combined with a proprietary blend of non-fossil fuel. The ethanol is derived from sugarcane waste and is blended with another waste-based renewable component to create race fuel that meets the demanding needs of INDYCAR engines. The fuel enables at least 60% greenhouse gas emissions reduction compared to fossil-based gasoline. Shell developed this fuel as a drop-in replacement with identical performance and durability.
The annual Louis Schwitzer Award is presented to engineers by engineers, celebrating the individuals behind the innovative concepts introduced to the motorsport industry that increase competitive potential, meet NTT INDYCAR SERIES specifications and are related to the vehicle’s engine, powertrain, profile, chassis or safety.
Established in 1967, the award commemorates the spirit of Louis Schwitzer, who won the first auto race at IMS in 1909, led the IMS technical committee and founded the Schwitzer Corporation, which was acquired by BorgWarner in 1999.
