This Day in Auto History:

4.17.1888 Robert C. Enos of the Eaton Axle & Spring Company is born in Ashtabula, OH 4.17.1919 The first Ballot race car is completed 4.17.1934 Racer Brian Gubby is born in Epsom, England 4.17.1954 Racer Riccardo Patrese, holder of the record for most Formula 1 starts, is born in Padua, Italy 4.17.1967 M. S. “Matt” McLaughlin is named General Manager of the Ford Division of the Ford Motor Company, succeeding Donald N. Frey

Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick