INDYCAR Hybrid Collaborators Named 2025 Schwitzer Award Winner

The team that collaborated to develop the INDYCAR Hybrid unit was named May 16 as the recipient of the 2025 Louis Schwitzer Award.

Sharing a $10,000 prize from the Indiana Section of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International and award sponsors Cummins and Valvoline Global were Raoul Fernandes of Skeleton Technologies, John Martin of EMPEL Systems Limited, Matt Niles of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), Darren Sansum of INDYCAR, Rupert Tull de Salis of Dana Incorporated and formerly of Mahle Powertrain and Thomas Williams of Ilmor Engineering Ltd.

The innovative hybrid system is made up of the low voltage (48V) Motor Generator Unit (MGU) and Energy Storage System (ESS) – consisting of 20 ultracapacitors – both of which fit inside the bellhousing, located between the Chevrolet and Honda INDYCAR SERIES internal combustion engine and the gearbox. During regeneration, acting on the clutch shaft, the MGU builds power to be stored in the ESS. The additional horsepower is deployed through the same motor generator on driver demand.

For competition, options for automatic “regen” via braking or throttle position and manual “regen” via selected steering wheel paddles and buttons will be available. Deployment of stored energy will only be available manually through a latching button, similar to the existing Push to Pass system.

The INDYCAR Hybrid unit debuted last July at the NTT INDYCAR SERIES race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and is used at every series race.

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.