For a few years in the early 80s, Tom Benolkin was a force to be reckoned with in professional Motocross, but then just as suddenly disappeared from the national stage. His path to the factory ranks was a previously uncharted path and it presented many challenges.

Tom started racing in 1973 and rose through the D23 ranks quickly, turning pro in 1978. Despite a good result at a 125 National in 1978 and a moto podium at the 1979 125 USGP, his pro career did not take off until 1980.

When "Little Tommy" first raced in 1973, he holeshot nearly every race he was in

By 1977, Benolkin, seen here at Cambridge MX, was nearly unbeatable in District 23

1978 - Racing a PDI RM125 at a track outside of Herman, Nebraska, Benolkin (center) became the first Minnesotan to score national points.

Riding an Open bike for the first time at a qualifier in Iowa, Tom did well enough to race the 1978 Trans-AMA round in Missouri. Here he is riding with Tony D.

Tom's first national attention was when he landed on the podium of Moto 1 at the 1979 Mid-Ohio 125 USGP

1970s - The Benolkin brothers: Jim, Steve, and Tom

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