Indianapolis, Indiana – Phil Krueger, a resilient and talented figure in American open-wheel racing, passed away on Feb. 9 in Indianapolis at the age of 74. A veteran of the Indianapolis 500, Krueger’s career was marked by determination, technical skill, and a passion for motorsports that spanned decades. His legacy is remembered not only for his accomplishments behind the wheel but also for his mechanical expertise, mentorship, and contributions to the racing community.
A native of Milwaukee, Krueger made two starts in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” competing in the Indianapolis 500 in 1986 and 1988. His standout performance came in 1988, when he finished eighth, completing 196 laps in the No. 97 CNC Systems Sales March-Cosworth for R. Kent Baker Racing. That same year, he earned a career-best 15th starting position, demonstrating both speed and precision. His efforts did not go unnoticed; Krueger received the Clint Brawner Mechanical Excellence Award for his work fine-tuning a two-year-old car, guiding a brand-new crew, and helping the team secure a top-10 finish.
Krueger’s career at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway spanned most of the 1980s, often competing with small, low-budget teams and older equipment. From 1981 through 1989, he turned laps almost every May, facing numerous challenges along the way. Despite failing to qualify in several attempts from 1983 to 1985 and again in 1989, and dealing with crashes that prevented him from qualifying in 1981, 1982, and 1987, Krueger persisted. His perseverance became a hallmark of his career, earning him respect across the racing world.
One of the most memorable chapters of his career came during the 1987 Month of May at Indianapolis. Initially serving as chief mechanic for Dennis Firestone’s Raynor Motorsports entry, Krueger stepped into the driver’s seat of the team’s backup car after Firestone suffered a broken foot in practice. Showing incredible resolve, Krueger led repairs on the car and attempted to qualify on Bump Day. His first lap reached 203.920 mph, putting him on pace for the field, but a crash on the second lap dashed his hopes. For his determination amid misfortune, he was awarded the Jigger Award that year, symbolizing his courage and unwavering commitment.
Krueger’s career was marked by both triumph and adversity. He survived multiple fractures in a crash during the 1981 Indy 500 while driving the No. 89 Joe Hunt Magneto Eagle-Chevrolet, a seven-year-old car he had rebuilt himself in the offseason. He also endured serious injuries in crashes during CART races at Michigan Speedway in 1984 and 1989, yet he returned to racing each time, demonstrating a rare blend of courage and passion.
Long before his Indy 500 appearances, Krueger began racing in endurance karts as a teenager. In 1977, with only $200 in his pocket, he entered the USAC Mini-Indy Series. He later competed in Super Vee and Formula Ford, honing not just his driving skills but also his talent as a car builder and fabricator. His ability to merge mechanical expertise with driving prowess helped him advance to CART in 1981, where he made 23 INDYCAR SERIES starts over the next decade, including seven top-12 finishes and a career-best fifth place at the 1988 Michigan 500.
Beyond his accomplishments on the track, Krueger’s mechanical and technical knowledge became a cornerstone of his post-driving career. He worked as an engine builder, mechanic, and crew chief, lending his expertise to help other drivers and teams. A licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic, he pursued a lifelong interest in aviation, maintaining his prized 1941 Luscombe aircraft and even building a World War I-era S.E.5a biplane from original Royal Aircraft blueprints.
Krueger was also dedicated to service beyond the racetrack. He volunteered for multiple military causes, including supporting the USO at Camp Atterbury in Indiana. Friends and colleagues remember him not only as a skilled racer and mechanic but also as a generous and thoughtful member of the broader community.
Phil Krueger’s life reflects a rare combination of talent, perseverance, and selflessness. Whether navigating the high-speed turns of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, fine-tuning a race car, or building aircraft in his workshop, he approached every challenge with determination and skill. His contributions to racing, mechanical innovation, and community service leave a lasting legacy that will be remembered by fans, peers, and future generations of drivers and mechanics alike.
As the motorsports world mourns his passing, Krueger’s career serves as a testament to resilience, passion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. In a sport where speed and danger intertwine, he stood out not only for his skill on the track but also for his character, work ethic, and unwavering dedication to both racing and his community. Phil Krueger’s life and legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in his tire tracks.
