Indianapolis 500 Veteran Krueger Dies at 74

Phil Krueger, a two-time Indianapolis 500 starter, passed away on February 9th in Indianapolis.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Phil Krueger, a veteran of two Indianapolis 500 races in 1986 and 1988, passed away on February 9th in Indianapolis at the age of 74. Krueger's best finish at the Indy 500 was 8th place in 1988, where he also earned the Clint Brawner Mechanical Excellence Award for his work tuning the car and guiding a new crew. Despite facing numerous setbacks and crashes throughout his career, Krueger was known for his perseverance and determination as he climbed the ranks of open-wheel racing.

Why it matters

Krueger's story exemplifies the grit and passion that has defined Indianapolis 500 competitors over the decades. As one of the smaller, independent teams that have long been a part of the Indy 500 tradition, Krueger's career highlights the challenges faced by drivers and crews without major corporate backing, and the satisfaction that can come from maximizing limited resources.

The details

Krueger, a native of Milwaukee, competed in the Indianapolis 500 in 1986 and 1988. In 1988, he qualified 15th and finished 8th, completing 196 laps in the No. 97 CNC Systems Sales March-Cosworth fielded by R. Kent Baker Racing. Krueger was also recognized that year with the Clint Brawner Mechanical Excellence Award for his work preparing the car. Throughout the 1980s, Krueger was a regular competitor at the Speedway, though he often faced mechanical issues and crashes that prevented him from qualifying. In 1987, he even stepped in as a driver after the team's primary driver crashed, but his own crash in practice kept him from qualifying that year.

  • Krueger competed in the Indianapolis 500 in 1986 and 1988.
  • In 1988, Krueger qualified 15th and finished 8th, completing 196 laps.
  • Krueger was awarded the Clint Brawner Mechanical Excellence Award in 1988 for his work preparing the car.
  • Krueger was a regular competitor at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway throughout the 1980s, attempting to qualify every year from 1981-1989.
  • Krueger passed away on February 9, 2026 in Indianapolis.

The players

Phil Krueger

A veteran of two Indianapolis 500 starts in 1986 and 1988, where his best finish was 8th place in 1988. Krueger was known for his perseverance and determination throughout his racing career.

R. Kent Baker Racing

The team that fielded Krueger's No. 97 CNC Systems Sales March-Cosworth car in 1988, when he earned a top-10 finish and the Clint Brawner Mechanical Excellence Award.

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The takeaway

Despite facing numerous setbacks and crashes throughout his career, Phil Krueger's determination and passion for racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway made him a model of perseverance in the sport. His story highlights the challenges faced by smaller, independent teams at the Indy 500, and the personal satisfaction that can come from maximizing limited resources.