Died in 2026. Lived in Freetown, Indiana, where he worked as a mechanic. He survived two private plane crashes, the most recent being in 2010. Phil was remembered with real respect at the Indianapolis Speedway, not only qualifying a car that was originally just a show car and was two years old in 1988, but putting it fifteenth on the grid, and then finishing eighth, all of which was done whilst serving as his own chief mechanic. Phil retired from racing in 1991, deciding to stop after picking up a number of injuries along the way. He also served at Indianapolis as an engine builder and crew chief. He was also a member of the USO, a military veteran's support organisation and

Biography last updated 11 Feb 2026