Phil Slack

Philip Robert Slack Sr. 1940 — May 7, 2025

Philip Robert Slack Sr., a visionary entrepreneur, record-breaking drag racer, and master fabricator, passed away peacefully in his home on May 7th, 2026. Born in 1940 to Bruce and Alice Slack, Phil’s life was defined by a relentless drive to build, race, and innovate.

In 1959, Phil married his beloved wife, Grace (née Piper), beginning a partnership that would span decades of ambition and growth. His early career at Illinois Bell (1959–1970) provided the foundation for a lifetime of business ownership. Phil’s entrepreneurial spirit first took root at his ARCO Gas Station in Hickory Hills, followed by his work fabricating monorails for Sun Diagnostic test equipment, fabricating fences and rails for Lang Exterior, as well as maintenance and improvements for Liquid Carbonic.

To the racing world, Phil was a titan of the "Golden Age" of drag racing. From 1960 to 1972, he famously campaigned injected nitro funny cars. Alongside partner Henny Hallman, the "Slack & Hallman" team and their iconic "Checkmate" cars became legends of the Midwest and USDRA circuits. Phil held three world records and was a pioneer in the class, even experimenting with rear-engine Ford Mustangs. During the peak of the match race era, his cars regularly set track records, dipping into the high 6-second range at over 190 mph.

His ingenuity wasn't limited to the track. In 1972, Phil and Grace founded P&G Engineering, which grew from an automotive diagnostic center—famous for its Friday night "DYNO Nights"—into a powerhouse of local industry. Under the P&G umbrella, he launched successful ventures including P&G Electrical, International Winding, P&G Fabricators, and P&G Crane and was a mentor to many.

A self-taught master engineer, Phil hand-fabricated the frameworks for several rental properties he developed throughout Bridgeview and Worth, including buildings on Thomas Avenue, Beloit, and Harlem—the latter of which was designed by his son, Philip Jr. His hard work and keen business sense led him to his first million-dollar milestone in 1985.

Beyond the shop and the track, Phil was an advanced small aircraft pilot, skipper and devoted grandfather.

Even in retirement, Phil’s passion for the industry never faded. He was never happier than when he was back in a crane or a truck, serving as an oiler for an early morning job or acting as a semi-truck copilot.

He spent his final months exactly how he wanted: staying active, visiting his favorite local lunch haunts with colleagues, and surrounding himself with his family.

Above all, Phil was a devoted grandfather. Whether he was on a job site watching his grandsons take on the family trade, or "competing" over mathematical problems with his granddaughter, Chloe, or watching his youngest granddaughter grow, his pride in the next generation was unmistakable.

Phil is survived by his loving sons, Philip Robert Slack Jr. (fiancé Christina) and Jon Slack (Heather).

He was a devoted grandfather to Isabella, Jonathan, Chloe, and Henry.

Cherished brother to Jonathan (Bonnie) and Deb (Ray).

Fond uncle to Samantha Slack (Aaron) and great uncle to Jonathan, Joshua, and Danielle.

Phil will be remembered warmly by his cousin Sharon Slack.

He will also be remembered by a community of colleagues and racing fans who admired his grit and brilliance.