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Louis Schwitzer Award

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Louis Schwitzer Award
The Louis Schwitzer Award on display in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
The Louis Schwitzer Award trophy
Awarded forAwarded for excellence in motorsports engineering
Sponsored byCummins
Valvoline
LocationIndianapolis Motor Speedway
CountryUnited States
First awarded1967 (1967)

The Louis Schwitzer Award (also called the Louis H. Schwitzer Award for Engineering Innovation and Excellence)[1] is presented by the Indiana Section of SAE International to an engineer or team of engineers "for their innovative design and engineering excellence" and acknowledges "engineers with the courage and conviction to explore and develop new concepts in racing technology" in racing vehicles for the Indianapolis 500.[2] The accolade also distinguishes engineers who were most responsible for designing and developing the winning concept to comply to IndyCar Series technical regulations, and awards "functional and recent permutations" that improve energy efficiency, performance or safety in chassis, drive train profiles by "emphasizing competitive potential along with future automotive industry possibilities."[2] Although the award specifically recognizes new concepts, experimental ideas arising from previous winners are considered if the development in engineering improves it.[2]

It was established at the 1967 event and renamed after automotive engineer, inventor and former chairman of SAE International's Indiana Section Louis H. Schwitzer by SAE before the 1978 race. Schwitzer also won the first automobile race to be held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1909.[3] Each year before the Indianapolis 500, an Indiana Section SAE International members committee meet with IndyCar Series technical officials to identify potential candidates.[1] The committee interviews candidates and votes to determine the winner.[4] The Indiana Section of SAE International provides $10,000 prize money to the recipient or team,[a] who receive a plaque and have their names added to a permanent trophy on display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.[7] The presentation of the award is made annually at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before the Indianapolis 500.[8][9] It is currently sponsored by Cummins and Valvoline.[10]

During the 58 years the award has been presented, there have been a total of 110 recipients.[7][11] The inaugural winner was Andy Granatelli, who developed the gas-turbine run STP-Paxton Turbocar for the 1967 event.[3][4] The award has been presented for two concepts in a single year just once: in 1977, to Bob Bubenik and Bruce Crower for developing the automatic clutch and flat-eight engine, respectively. Two years later, John Barnard and Jim Hall were the first team to be recognized for designing the Chaparral 2K chassis for that year's Indianapolis 500.[4][11] Since then, another 24 teams have been recognized.[11] Firestone tire engineer Cara Adams became the first female recipient in the 2019 edition.[12] The award has been presented posthumously once, to Don Burgoon in the 2017 race.[13] The 2020 winners were Tino Belli, Marco Bertolini, Ed Collings, Craig McCarthy, Antonio Montanari, Bill Pappas, Stefan Seidel and Brent Wright, who developed the IndyCar Aeroscreen cockpit protection device.[7] The most recent honoree was engineer Andrew McDougall in the 2024 event; he was recognized for his work on the Xtrac Electric Servo Actuator.[10]

Recipients

[edit]
Key
Indicates posthumous award
Louis Schwitzer Award winners[11]
Year Image Winner(s) Concept Ref
1967 Andy Grantelli on a mobility scooter in the pit lane of a race track Andy Granatelli STP-Paxton Turbocar [4]
1968 Dan Gurney in racing overalls smiling at the camera Dan Gurney Low cost racing engine
1969 Colin Chapman in a black and white photograph sporting a mustache and looking to the left of the camera Colin Chapman Lotus Type 64
1970 Bruce McLaren in racing overalls looking slightly to the right of the camera Bruce McLaren McLaren M15
1971 Josef Karasek McNamara chassis
1972 Dan Gurney in a black and white photograph wearing racing overalls Dan Gurney Eagle chassis
1973 Smokey Yunick Stock block engine
1974 A. J. Foyt at the 2015 Indianapolis 500 looking to the right of the camera A. J. Foyt Coyote chassis
1975 Parnelli Jones at the 2015 Indianapolis 500 Parnelli Jones Parnelli VP6J chassis
1976 Roman Slobodynskyj Lightning chassis
1977 Bob Bubenik Automatic clutch
Bruce Crower Flat-eight engine [14]
1978 Roman Slobodynskyj Laydown Lightning chassis[b] [15]
1979 John Barnard wearing a light blue striped shirt and a navy blue and beige tie John Barnard Chaparral 2K chassis [4]
Jim Hall wearing rectangular glasses and a baby blue T-shirt with the top button undone Jim Hall
1980 The Penske PC-9 on display in the Collings Foundation Geoff Ferris Penske PC-9 chassis [16]
1981 John Ward Eagle chassis [5]
1982 The side view of a blue, red and white racing car with the number 1 in white on its side being driven on a race track Geoff Ferris Penske PC-10 chassis [17]
1983 The Torsen differential taken from a road car Vernon Gleasman Gleason-Torsen differential[c] [18]
1984 A black and white photograph of Robin Herd looking at the right of the camera Robin Herd March 84C chassis[d] [19]
1985 BuickV6Indycarengine Ron Kociba Buick V6 Turbo engine [20]
Joe Negri
1986 Mario Illien sitting on a chair and talking to the press at a press conference Mario Illien Ilmor-Chevrolet V8 engine [21]
1987 Stuart Grant Goodyear Racing radial tire [22]
1988 John Lindo Tilton Carbon-Carbon clutch[e] [23]
Ray Sorce
1989 Anthony Purnell Intelligent dashboard [24]
1990 Luciano Aguirre Beadall racing helmet [25]
Tim Halsmer
Mike Held
Bill Simpson signing an autograph on a table Bill Simpson
1991 A red racing car adorned with sponsors logos and the number 11 in white on the front wing is primarily stationary in the shade and partially in sunlight Don Halliday Truesports 91C chassis [6]
1992 A black and white racing car adorned with sponsors logos and the number 3 in black on the front wing sitting in a museum Alan Mertens Galmer 9200 chassis [26]
1993 A red and white racing car with sponsors logos adorning it and the number 4 on the front wing sitting in a museum Nigel Bennett Penske PC22 chassis [27]
1994 Mario Illien on the grid wearing white clothing and looking to his right Mario Illien Mercedes-Benz 500I engine [4]
1995 Chris Munroe Tire monitoring system [28]
Don Nowicki
1996 Ed Rothrock Racing EyeCue [29]
Dave Schnelker
I-Fu Shih
Ning Wu
1997 Roger Allen Oldsmobile Aurora V8 engine [30]
Ed Keating
1998 John Melvin GM Motorsports Safety Technology Research Program[f] [31]
John Pierce
1999 Giampaolo Dallara speaking into a black microphone he is holding in his right hand with his left hand out Giampaolo Dallara Dallara chassis [32]
2000 The G-Force GF05 car painted in navy blue, orange and white Paul Burgess G-Force GF05 chassis [33]
2001 A black carbon fibre HANS device attached to the back of a racing helmet on a helmet anchor Robert Hubbard HANS device[g] [35]
Jim Downing
2002 A white-colored SAFER barrier retrofitted in front of a concrete wall Ronald Faller SAFER barrier[h] [37]
Jim Holloway
John Reid
John Rohde
Dean Sicking
2003 Giampaolo Dallara wearing a Tan blazer, white buttoned-up shirt and an orange tie Giampaolo Dallara Dallara IR3 chassis[i] [39]
2004 Steve Eriksen Honda HI4R-A engine[j] [41]
Steve Miller
Steve O'Connor
Yasuhide Sakamoto
2005 Erskine Carter Delphi Earpiece sensor system[k] [43]
Glen Gray
Andy Inman
Tim Kronenberg
Bruce Natvig
2006 Thomas German Rear wing adjuster tool [44]
Justin Horning
Tom Janiczek
2007 Erskine Carter Delphi Accident data recorder 3[l] [46]
Glen Gray
Andy Inman
Tim Kronenberg
Bruce Natvig
2008 Nick Belonogoff Variable ratio rack and pinion steering technology [47]
Andrew Heathershaw
Andrea Toso
Soungjin Wou
2009 Jeff Horton Head and neck support extension [48]
2010 Charles Becnel Mezzo microChannel radiator [49]
Tino Belli
Patrick Luke
Christophe Marques
2011 Robert Bell Honda refueling safety interlock system [50]
James Goodloe
Roger Griffiths
Marcelo Martinelli
2012 Steve O'Connor Chevrolet IndyCar V6 Engine[m] [9]
Mark Kent
Steve Miller
Matt Wiles
2013 Dale Harrigle Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 Race Tire [52]
Brett Schilling
2014 The Dallara Advance Driving Simulator inside a building Andrea Toso Dallara Advanced Driving Simulator [53]
2015 A red racing car adorned with sponsors logos on pit road is being pushed back into the garage Chris Berube 2015 Chevrolet Aero Kit [54]
Mark Kent
Aaron Melvin
Charles Ping
2016 Tino Belli Rear Beam Wing Flap [55]
Aaron Melvin
Alex Timmermans
2017 James Borner PFC Carbon Disc Brake System [13]
Don Burgoon
Darin Cate
Paul Rankin
Mark Wagner
2018 A red, white and blue racing car being driven at high speed on an oval race track Chris Beatty Dallara DW12 UAK18 Universal Aero Kit [56]
Tino Belli
Antonio Montanari
Andrea Toso
2019 Cara Adams Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 race tire [12]
Brett Schilling
Phil Severyn
2020 Tino Belli IndyCar Aeroscreen cockpit protection device [7]
Marco Bertolini
Ed Collings
Craig McCarthy
Antonio Montanari
Bill Pappas
Stefan Seidel
Brent Wright
2021 Terry Trammell Biomedical engineering for driver safety [57]
2022 Luca De Angelis EM Marshalling System [58]
Luca Pierrettori
Taylor Prohaska
Simone Pusca
2023 Selda Gunsel Shell 100% Renewable Race Fuel [59]
Bassem Kheireddin
Jung Fang
2024 Andrew McDougall Xtrac Electric Servo Actuator [10]

Statistics

[edit]
Multiple winners
Name Wins
Tino Belli 4
Andrea Toso 3
Erskine Carter 2
Giampaolo Dallara 2
Geoff Ferris 2
Glen Gray 2
Dan Gurney 2
Mario Illien 2
Andy Inman 2
Mark Kent 2
Tim Kronenberg 2
Aaron Melvin 2
Steve Miller 2
Antonio Montanari 2
Bruce Natvig 2
Steve O'Connor 2
Brett Schilling 2
Roman Slobodynskyj 2

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ The cash prize was $1,000 but was later increased to $5,000.[5][6]
  2. ^ Finalists for the 1978 award were the American Kid Racer, the Chaparral Lola, the McCord Auto Finley, and the Gould Penske cars.[15]
  3. ^ Other nominees for the 1983 award were the Argo, the March 83C, the 1983 Eagle, the Lola T700, the Penske PC-11, and the Wildcat IX cars.[18]
  4. ^ The three finalists for the 1984 accolade were the March, the Lola, and the DSR1 cars.[19]
  5. ^ Other finalists for the 1988 award were the Penske chassis, the Porsche IndyCar engine and the safety foot box design.[23]
  6. ^ The 1998 nominees were the Delphi Delco Electronics Track Condition Radio, the Emco gearbox and the Riley & Scott chassis.[4]
  7. ^ Announced nominees were the 2001 Dallara chassis, the 2001 G-Force chassis, the Infiniti engine and the IRL timing and scoring system.[34]
  8. ^ The announced candidates were the Chevrolet Indy V8 engine, the Dallara 2002 chassis update kit, Delphi Accelerometers, and the Infiniti Indy 35A/E engine.[36]
  9. ^ The Panoz G-Force GF09 chassis, the Honda H13R engine and the Toyota Indy V8 engine were nominated for the 2003 award.[38]
  10. ^ The Dallara IR4 chassis, the 2004 Delphi IndyCar Safety Truck, the Chevrolet Indy V8 engine and the Panoz G-Force GF09B chassis earned nominations for the 2004 accolade.[40]
  11. ^ The Panoz Chassis Update Kit, the Chevrolet IRL engine, the Honda IRL engine and the Team Penske Rear Wing Adjustment System were announced as nominees for the award.[42]
  12. ^ The nominees for the award were Ethanol racing fuel, the Honda H17R Engine, and the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 Tire.[45]
  13. ^ The BorgWarner turbochargers, the Dallara DW12 chassis, the Honda HI12R V6 engine, Lotus Indy V6 engine and the Xtrac transmission were announced as nominees for the 2012 award.[51]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "2017 Louis Schwitzer Award". SAE Indiana. Archived from the original on August 22, 2017. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c Brewer, Allan (May 24, 2015). "Louis Schwitzer Award For Engineering Goes To Pratt & Miller Team". Racing Nation. Archived from the original on October 11, 2015. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  3. ^ a b "Design award to be given". Kokomo Tribune. May 25, 1978. p. 56. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020 – via NewspaperArchive.com.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g "Indy 500: Schwitzer Award Rewards Innovation, Excellence". The Auto Channel. 20 May 1998. Archived from the original on 14 September 2005. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  5. ^ a b "Schwitzer Award goes to John Ward". The Indianapolis Star. May 15, 1981. p. 33. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ a b Herman, Steve (May 17, 1991). "Halliday gets award". The Daily Reporter. Associated Press. p. 5. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ a b c d Malsher-Lopez, David (August 17, 2020). "IndyCar aeroscreen earns eight engineers Louis Schwitzer Award". Motorsport.com. Archived from the original on August 30, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  8. ^ Perez, Jerry (May 26, 2018). "IndyCar Aero Kit Engineers Win the Prestigious Louis Schwitzer Award". The Drive. Archived from the original on September 5, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  9. ^ a b Beeler, Tom (May 22, 2012). "Chevrolet – Chevy's Kent and Wiles Win Prestigious Schwitzer Award". Racing Information Service. Archived from the original on November 18, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  10. ^ a b c Martin, Bruce (May 17, 2024). "McDougall Receiveds Louis Schwitzer Award". Speed Sport. Archived from the original on May 24, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  11. ^ a b c d "Louis Schwitzer Award Winners". Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Archived from the original on July 4, 2017. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  12. ^ a b "2019 Louis Schwitzer Award Recognizes Engineering Excellence in the NTT IndyCar Series". Aftermarket News. May 20, 2019. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  13. ^ a b "PFC win the 2017 Louis Schwitzer Award". Race Tech Magazine. May 24, 2017. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  14. ^ Carney, Dan (June 2007). "Six Strokes of Genius". Popular Science. 270 (6): 66. Archived from the original on September 5, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2020 – via Google Books.
  15. ^ a b Moore, George (May 20, 1978). "SAE's Schwitzer Award to Slobodynskj". The Indianapolis Star. p. 23. Archived from the original on September 5, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ "Ferris Wins Schwitzer Award". The Indianapolis Star. May 17, 1980. p. 26. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ^ "Geoff Ferris, designer of the Penske PC-10 driven by..." United Press International. May 20, 1982. Archived from the original on July 1, 2017. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  18. ^ a b "Designer of Andretti's Lola draws prize". Journal & Courier. Associated Press. May 26, 1983. p. 31. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ^ a b "Englishman wins race car prize". Odessa American. Associated Press. May 19, 1984. p. 3C. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020 – via NewspaperArchive.com.
  20. ^ "Buick engine wins award". Kokomo Tribune. Associated Press. May 18, 1985. p. 12. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020 – via NewspaperArchive.com.
  21. ^ "Illien honored for new engine design". The Indianapolis Star. May 16, 1986. p. 38. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  22. ^ "Schwitzer award to Grant". The Indianapolis Star. May 15, 1987. p. 38. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  23. ^ a b "Wins top racing field award". Santa Ynez Valley News. June 2, 1988. p. 11A. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  24. ^ "Purnell wins Schwitzer Award for car design". Florida Today. May 19, 1989. p. 2C. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ^ Cavin, Curt (May 18, 1990). "Simpson Crew Wins Schwitzer Award". The Indianapolis Star. p. C3. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  26. ^ McKee, Sandra (July 5, 1992). "Mertens is driven to perfect his chassis design Unique model proves its worth in Indianapolis 500 victory". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  27. ^ Beattie, Leal (May 21, 1993). "Indy notes". Dayton Daily News. p. 3D. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  28. ^ Cavin, Curt (May 19, 1995). "Schwitzer Award cites tire-less work". The Indianapolis Star. p. C4. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  29. ^ Cavin, Curt (May 17, 1996). "Schwitzer Award". The Indianapolis Star. p. B2. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  30. ^ "Auto racing". The Anniston Star. May 16, 1997. p. 3B. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  31. ^ "Melvin, Pierce honored". Sun-Sentinel. May 24, 1998. p. 13C. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  32. ^ "Schwitzer Award goes to Dallara". Vincennes Sun-Commercial. Associated Press. May 30, 1999. p. C4. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. ^ "G Force designer wins Schwitzer award". Autoweek. May 24, 2000. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  34. ^ Ballard, Steven (May 19, 2001). "Inventors of HANS device honored". The Indianapolis Star. p. D2. Archived from the original on September 5, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. ^ "HANS developers win prestigious Indy award". Autosport. May 19, 2001. Archived from the original on September 3, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  36. ^ "Schwitzer Award candidates announced". Crash. May 12, 2002. Archived from the original on September 5, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  37. ^ "SAFER Barrier Engineers Receive 36th Louis Schwitzer Award". Indianapolis Motor Speedway. May 17, 2002. Archived from the original on June 1, 2002. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  38. ^ "Four SAE Schwitzer Award finalists". Autosport. May 14, 2003. Archived from the original on September 5, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  39. ^ "2003 BorgWarner Louis Schwitzer Award Presented to Dallara Chassis". The Auto Channel. May 16, 2003. Archived from the original on May 3, 2005. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  40. ^ "SAE reveals 2004 Schwitzer nominees". Autosport. May 17, 2004. Archived from the original on September 5, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  41. ^ "Honda engine earns Schwitzer Award". Crash. May 22, 2004. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  42. ^ "BorgWarner Louis Schwitzer Award Candidates Announced". The Auto Channel. May 13, 2005. Archived from the original on May 26, 2005. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  43. ^ "Delphi wins Schwitzer award for earpiece". Kokomo Tribune. May 27, 2005. p. A11. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020 – via NewspaperArchive.com.
  44. ^ "Penske wins manufacturing award". Barrie Examiner. Associated Press. May 20, 2006. p. B3. ProQuest 352715360.
  45. ^ Ballard, Steve (May 12, 2007). "Indy 500 Notebook: Spark Plugs". The Central New Jersey Home News. Associated Press. p. C5. Archived from the original on September 5, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  46. ^ Frank, Michael (May 2007). "BorgWarner Louis Schwitzer Award Goes to Delphi Accident Data Recorder". Automotive Industries. Vol. 187, no. 5. p. 7. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020 – via EBSCO Information Service.
  47. ^ Ballard, Steve (May 17, 2008). "Bishop Steering takes prize". The Indianapolis Star. p. D9. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  48. ^ Tyler, Marty (May 28, 2009). "Development Of HANS Attachment Earns Award For Indy Director of Engineering". Catchfence. Archived from the original on May 31, 2009. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  49. ^ "Auto Parts; Mezzo Technologies and Andretti AutoSport Win 2010 BorgWarner Louis Schwitzer Award". Technology & Business Journal: 173. 1 June 2010. ProQuest 346103332.
  50. ^ Lingeman, Jake (May 23, 2011). "Indianapolis 500: HPD wins Louis Schwitzer Award for refueling system". Autoweek. Archived from the original on November 18, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  51. ^ Sturbin, John (May 17, 2012). "Wheldon To Be Honored During Pre-500 Festivities". Racin' Today. Archived from the original on February 17, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  52. ^ "Indy 500 runs on made-in-Akron high-tech Firestone tires". Akron Beacon Journal. May 25, 2013. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  53. ^ Lewandowski, Dave (May 16, 2014). "Notes: Dallara's Toso receives Schwitzer Award". IndyCar Series. Archived from the original on March 29, 2016. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  54. ^ Riese, Gail (June 3, 2015). "Engineering Alum Charlie Ping and Pratt & Miller team receive Louis Schwitzer award at Indy 500". Auburn University. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  55. ^ Proffit, Anne (May 21, 2016). "2016 Louis Schwitzer award handed out at IMS". Motorsport.com. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  56. ^ Martin, Bruce (May 19, 2018). "New IndyCar aero kit wins prestigious Schwitzer Award". Autoweek. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  57. ^ Martin, Bruce (May 21, 2021). "Dr. Terry Trammell Receives Louis Schwitzer Award". Speed Sport. Archived from the original on May 22, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
  58. ^ "2022 Louis Schwitzer Award Celebrates Engineers Behind NTT IndyCar Series' EM Marshalling System Innovation". KTLA. May 20, 2022. Archived from the original on May 25, 2022. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  59. ^ Martin, Bruce (May 19, 2023). "Louis Schwitzer Award Presented to Three IndyCar Engineers". Speed Sport. Archived from the original on May 20, 2023. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
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