Mike Wolanin | The Republic A view of the Cummins building adjacent to the Irwin Conference Center in Columbus, Ind., Monday, February. 26, 2024.
INDIANAPOLIS — Today at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) and Valvoline Global Operations celebrate Andrew McDougall – who was honored with the 2024 Louis Schwitzer Award for his Xtrac Electric Servo Actuator, which has been adopted by the NTT INDYCAR® SERIES. In addition to the award, Cummins, Valvoline Global, and the Indiana Section of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International presented Andrew McDougall with a $10,000 prize.
Valvoline Global, a worldwide leader in automotive and industrial solutions, and Cummins, a global power leader, sponsor the Louis Schwitzer Award. This award is a prestigious accolade in the automotive engineering industry, celebrating and recognizing groundbreaking innovations that push the boundaries of automotive technology.
Named after Louis Schwitzer, an accomplished engineer and race car driver, this award has a rich history of honoring individuals and teams 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. The Louis Schwitzer Award showcases the best and brightest in the automotive engineering community.
This year, the award committee received an impressive array of submissions, highlighting the industry’s reputation for celebrating innovation. McDougall’s innovative Xtrac Electric Servo Actuator (ESA) is a new gear change system for sequential shift transmissions. The benefits of this system include faster shifts, reduced weight, fewer components, and increased efficiency. The ESA incorporates direct actuation that provides increased accuracy, and repeatability while reducing electrical demand on the race car.
“The Louis Schwitzer Award is a testament to the innovative spirit driving the automotive industry,” remarked Roger England, Head of R&D at Valvoline Global Operations, emphasizing the collaboration with Cummins. “Together, Valvoline Global and Cummins are honored to recognize the exceptional work of these innovators reshaping transportation and inspiring future engineers.”
Aaron Quinton, Cummins Engine Business Unit Product Line Architect, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the award’s esteemed history in celebrating engineering excellence and innovation. Quinton emphasized the significance of the partnership and said, “Co-sponsoring the LSA with our partner Valvoline means a lot, presenting a valuable opportunity to celebrate the enduring 30th anniversary partnership between Cummins and Valvoline.”
