Benellis and Motobis at TT2000

Dario Ambrosini - 1950 TT

After a slow speed crash a Governors Bridge in 1949 so handing the race to Manliff Barrington (Moto Guzzi) Ambrosini came to the island in 1950 for his 2ns TT as Benelli's only entrant.

With extra fuel tanks over the rear wheel the Italian ran the race non-stop improving consecutive lap times to beat Maurice Cann (Moto Guzzi) and to become only the 2nd Italian to win a TT.

Dario then had a superb season to become 250cc World Champion. Alas, he died in a practice crash at the French GP at Albi in 1951.

• Motobi Campanelli-Maltry 250
  

• Stephen with Benelli single
  

For the 2000 TT under new ownership the Benelli factory returned to honour Dario Ambrosini and Benelli's proud race and commercial history.

• No.13 - Benelli Prototipo 250
  

• No.22 - Benelli Monotubo
  

Just one look at the bikes Benelli and it's road racing Chairman Andrea Merloni brought to the TT to be paraded on the course as Benelli sponsored the TTRA (TT Riders Assoc.) Lap of Honour.

The two 900cc "TT" Tornado (Tre) Triples - had never before been seen running on the road - were launched to the world at the forefront of the Benelli Parade. Riders were Kel Carruthers, a Benelli World Champion, and Andrea Merloni himself.

Ambrosini's TT winning bike which has been perfectly restored to it's original deep red colour. Others included one 6 cylinder, nine 4 cylinder, plus twins and single cylinder racers carrying the Benelli and MotoBi badges.

• Benelli GP DOHC 175
  

Benelli say that they will be competing in future TT races.

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• Benelli TT 250
  
  
  

Links

• The Isle of Man index page
  
• Italia Connection's Home Page