Phillip Eugene Krueger

Phillip Eugene Krueger, a tenacious American racing driver and skilled mechanic, passed away on February 9, 2026, at the age of 74, at his home in Freetown, Indiana. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Phil Krueger was celebrated for his unwavering determination and resilience, qualities that defined both his challenging career in motorsports and his personal life. He leaves behind a legacy of courage and an inspiring spirit that resonated with all who knew him.

Krueger's passion for auto racing ignited in childhood, leading him to begin his racing career at seventeen in Endurance Karts, and later competing in Formula Super Vee, Formula Ford, and IMSA series. In the early 1980s, he set his sights on Indy cars, developing his mechanical skills to pursue his ambition of competing in the prestigious Indianapolis 500. His journey was marked by significant challenges, including multiple severe crashes that left him critically injured, yet he consistently returned to the track.

His perseverance paid off when he qualified for the Indianapolis 500 in 1986 and again in 1988. The 1988 race was a highlight of his career, where he not only qualified 15th but also achieved an impressive 8th-place finish, driving a two-year-old March-Cosworth. For his remarkable effort, essentially serving as his own chief mechanic and guiding an all-new crew, Krueger was honored with the Clint Brawner Mechanical Excellence Award, a testament to his mechanical ingenuity and dedication.

Krueger's Indy car career concluded in 1989 following another horrific accident at the Michigan 500, and he officially retired from racing in 1991 due to the cumulative injuries. Beyond the racetrack, Phil was a licensed A&P mechanic, a pilot who built his own WWI SE5a biplane, and a dedicated volunteer for organizations like the USO and Clarity of Central Indiana. His deep faith, ignited by C.S. Lewis's "Out of the Silent Planet," was a cornerstone of his life, and he cherished his church communities.

Phil Krueger's life was a testament to his indomitable will, whether facing the perils of the racetrack, recovering from life-altering injuries, or contributing to his community. He was remembered with profound respect at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and by his family and friends for his tenacity, inspiring spirit, and commitment to his faith. He became an Indiana Organ Donor hero, continuing his legacy of giving even in his last moments.