Phil Krueger
Phillip Eugene Krueger (June 22, 1951 – February 9, 2026) was a former driver in the CART Indy car series. He raced in nine seasons (1981–1986, 1988–1989, and 1991), with 23 career starts, including the 1986 and 1988 Indianapolis 500. He finished in the top ten three times, with a best finish of 5th position at the 1988 Michigan 500.
Krueger endured three hard crashes in his open-wheel racing career that left him critically injured: during practice for the 1981 Indianapolis 500, and again in 1984 and 1989, both at the Michigan 500. He would return to racing after every incident.
In 1988, Krueger won the Clint Brawner Mechanical Excellence Award presented annually to the Indianapolis 500 chief mechanic who exemplifies "mechanical and scientific creativity, ingenuity, perseverance, dedication, enthusiasm and expertise". Driving for R. Kent Baker Racing, he essentially served as his own chief mechanic. He qualified a two-year old March 86C-Cosworth in 15th starting position, and finished 8th on race day.
Krueger died on February 9, 2026, aged 74.[1]
Racing record
SCCA National Championship Runoffs
| Year | Track | Car | Engine | Class | Finish | Start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Road Atlanta | LeGrand Mk.27B | Ford | Formula Ford | 25 | 31 | Running |
Complete USAC Mini-Indy Series results
| Year | Entrant | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Pos | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Eric Lee Drange | TRE | MIL 6 |
MOS 17 |
PIR 4 |
7th | 200 |
Indianapolis 500 results
| Year | Chassis | Engine | Start | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Eagle | Chevrolet | Practice Crash | |
| 1982 | Penske | Chevrolet | Practice Crash | |
| 1983 | Penske | Cosworth | Failed to Qualify | |
| 1984 | March | Cosworth | Failed to Qualify | |
| 1985 | March | Cosworth | Failed to Qualify | |
| 1986 | March | Cosworth | 24th | 31st |
| 1987 | Lola | Cosworth | Practice Crash | |
| 1988 | March | Cosworth | 15th | 8th |
| 1989 | Penske | Cosworth | Failed to Qualify | |
| 1991 | Lola | Buick | Failed to Qualify | |
References
- ^ "Official Obituary of Mr. Phillip E. Krueger". Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home & Crematory. February 9, 2026. Retrieved February 11, 2026.
External links
- Phil Krueger at IMDb