The glorious Benelli name in the world of competition

Tonino Benelli was the undisputed protagonist of the early racing successes.

With an extraordinary natural talent for riding, he began a rewarding career that confirmed his exceptional technical skill and innovation within the company.

In the saddle of a Benelli 175, Tonino won the title of Italian Champion in 1927/1928/1930 riding the single shaft version and in 1931 with the dual shaft version.

The numerous victories in the European World Championship were a prelude to one of the most sought after successes of all motorcycle producers: The Tourist Trophy, at that time the most important race in the world.

In 1939, Ted Mellors was victorious, racing in the saddle of the Benelli 250.

In 1950 Dario Ambrosini also won the Tourist Trophy, repeating Mellors’ success and consecrating his title by winning both the Italian and the World Championships.

In the 1960s two extraordinary riders competed in the races: Tarquinio Provini who won the Italian Championship with the 250 in 1965 and Renzo Pasolini who won the Championship with the 250 as well as the 350 in 1968 and 1969.

In 1969, the enormous effort invested in competition was rewarded with the 250 world title thanks to Kel Carruthers, who also again won the Tourist Trophy in the same year.

Many of the most famous riders in the history of motorcycling raced with Benelli bikes, from Mike Hailwood to Jarno Saarinen, and the last victory in 1990 was the merit of Antonio Rossi.

In 2001, to accelerate the development time for the Tornado, Benelli once again took to the track competing in World Superbikes with rider Peter Goddard from Australia.