Kel Carruthers: Benelli should return to competition !

1969 GP 250 world champion Kel Carruthers visited the Benelli factory and spoke with the boss of the now-Chinese-Italian century-old firm. The Australian would like to see the brand return to competition… A great idea, no ?

After taking part in the tenth anniversary of the Asi Motoshow – a meeting of old motorcycles which was held from May 13 to 15 on the Varano Melegari track – Kelvin Carruthers took advantage of his visit to Italy to greet the employees of the Benelli factory based in Pesaro.

The GP 250 champion in 1969 – on Benelli – "didn’t hesitate to sign autographs to all the workers and posed by their side for a group photo", says Claudio Consonni, technical and press manager at Benelli QJ (for Qingjiang, the Chinese parent company).

"He did not fail to tell us some anecdotes concerning his Benelli period "", continues the Italian,"recommending that the current owner consider returning the brand to high-level competition"…

Visibly moved by the arrival of this motorcycle sport legend (22 podiums and 7 GP 250 victories as a rider, but also four GP 500 titles as manager of Roberts and Lawson at Yamaha!), Claudio Consonni concludes by evoking the joy of "Kel" contemplating a large poster of him displayed in the company, on which Carruthers has affixed his signature.

"An autograph that will forever remind us of a pilot, world champion with the 4-cylinder 250 from Benelli, but also the great man that many of us met for the first time.", points out the transalpine manager.

Contacted by Site, Julien Garcia, press manager of Benelli France, confirms that the past but also the future of the century-old brand (read) are closely linked to the competition: "there were 4-cylinder projects, V4s, for the Supersport and the Superbike, but the Due project was a priority".

"Nevertheless, the high level remains more relevant than ever, especially since the arrival of Mr. Consonni who comes from the competition (read, NDLR). In addition, the Tornado is at the end of its career and must be replaced…."

The Italians are currently working on a new sports car … Will we see a new Superbike at the 2011 Milan show or will we have to wait another year? To follow on the Site: stay connected !

Mlatthieu BRETILLE – Photos Manufacturer

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