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 fifth 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 eighth on race day.

Krueger died on February 9, 2026, aged 74.

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 MOS PIR 7th 200

Indianapolis 500 results Year Chassis Engine Start Finish 1981 Eagle ChevroletPractice Crash 1982 Penske ChevroletPractice Crash 1983 Penske CosworthFailed to Qualify 1984 March CosworthFailed to Qualify 1985 March CosworthFailed to Qualify 1986 March Cosworth 24th 31st 1987 Lola CosworthPractice Crash 1988 March Cosworth 15th 8th 1989 Penske CosworthFailed to Qualify 1991 Lola BuickFailed to Qualify