Francis Quinn (racing driver)

Francis Lafayette Quinn (March 22, 1903 – December 13, 1931) was an American racing driver.

Racing career
Quinn was a prominent figure in racing on America's west coast, including winning the American Automobile Association's Pacific Southwest championship in 1930. Quinn attempted entry into the Indianapolis 500 multiple times, but was denied due to an abnormally large heart. He was finally allowed entry in 1931 after his Pacific Southwest championship win the year prior.

Death
Quinn died December 13, 1931, in a traffic collision five miles north of Fresno, California. While driving his passenger car back from a rained-out event scheduled at Oakland Speedway, Quinn's southbound car was struck by an oncoming car. Quinn died at the roadside, while his passenger, Claude French, escaped with only minor injuries. Manslaughter charges were filed against the driver of the other car, but he was acquitted in court.

Awards and honors
Quinn was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 2006.