He was a very brave, noble, and humble man.


(Thank you to Denise McCluggage for doing the honors.)

I was lucky enough to grow up across the street from him in Santa Monica. I saw him decline and it was absolutely heart breaking. He had a 8 car garage full of vintage cars from his restoration business. I would always stop by when he had his garage open and see what he was up to occasionally I'd get a ride in one of his cars when he needed to take a test drive. I remember getting a ride in his late 30s alfa roadster ripping up the street in it...that was awesome! He was a truly great person and my heart goes out to his wonderful family. I hope his son Derek carries on the tradition as he is a great driver in his own right.

An awesome video about Phil and his career:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ezerBrGDbls" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

RIP Phil, you did American proud. Thank you.

You do realize he has been dead almost 8 years.

August 28, 2008

Maybe i should have started a new thread...

Thanks for reviving this thread and reminding me of our dear friend.

In the early '80's I organized a series of membership meetings for the Cal Club, inviting noted racing driver's that had begun their careers with the Club...before it was the SCCA region. Phil was first on my list. He agreed to have dinner and then be driven 50 miles to Orange County in the rain to speak to the biggest crowd we ever had. He insisted on paying for dinner.

In the mid-90's I called on him again and he spent two hours one morning at Hill & Vaughn reviewing the blue prints for a club owned and operated race track, Buttonwillow Raceway. Again, at his request, he took me to me lunch.

I've met a lot of people through racing, but no one understood the sport from the lowest club regional race to the pinnacle of Formula 1 better than Phil. Just a prince of a fellow.