Frank Dochnal

Frank Dochnal (30 November 1920 - 19 October 1993): American racing driver from Lyons, Illinois, who competed in Formula One at the 1952 Indianapolis 500. Participated in one World Championship race without scoring points, retiring from the event after just 3 laps with clutch failure. Started the 1952 Indianapolis 500 from 29th position on the grid, but his race ended almost immediately when clutch problems forced him to retire after completing only 3 laps, making his Formula One championship appearance one of the shortest on record. Dochnal's racing career was focused on American midget car racing and sprint car competitions throughout the Midwest during the 1940s and 1950s, where he competed regularly on dirt tracks.

His single Indianapolis 500 appearance represented his only participation in a major international racing event and his sole Formula One World Championship start during the era when Indianapolis counted toward the championship (1950-1960). After his brief Indianapolis experience, returned to regional American racing where he continued competing in various categories through the 1950s. Passed away on 19 October 1993 at age 72 in Illinois. His Formula One 'career' of three laps exemplifies how the championship's inclusion of Indianapolis created unusual statistics, with drivers whose primary focus was American dirt track racing earning World Championship race starts.