Tonino Benelli
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Tonino Benelli (8 April 1902 - 27 September 1937) was an Italian motorcycle racer. The Stadio Tonino Benelli in the city of Pesaro is named after him.
The youngest of six brothers, Tonino Benelli was a founder of the famous motorcycle company, Benelli of Pesaro.[citation needed] He made his debut in the world of motorcycle cycling in 1923 and among the various successes he won four Italian titles of the class 175 in 1927-1928-1930-1931[1] riding a Benelli 175, very advanced for those times, with a single-cylinder engine with cascade distribution of gears and overhead camshaft, designed by his older brother, Giuseppe Benelli.[citation needed]
In 1932, he obtained second place in the single event valid for the FICM European Championship won by his teammate Carlo Baschieri riding a 250 twin shaft. In the same year, Tonino will incur a very serious accident on the Tigullio Circuit, which will force him to retire from competitions forever. Among his countless successes, the most prestigious are: a French Grand Prix, four Grand Prix of the Nations, three Circuiti del Lario, two Grand Prix of the Moto Club of Italy and two Royal Rome Grand Prix.[2]
