Daytona Ducati legends reunited

From Ducati North America

CUPERTINO, CA – Last past Saturday at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum legendary racer Cook Neilson was reunited with the bike on which he won the Daytona Superbike race in 1977.

As the guest of honour at last weekend’s Barber Vintage Festival, Neilson recounted his legendary racing feats at the gala dinner. Immediately afterwards, Neilson received a big surprise as the museum pulled the cover off of “Deja Blue” – a piece-for-piece replica of his 1977 Daytona Superbike race winning Ducati 750 SS “Old Blue.”

With the help of master tuner, fellow editor and good friend Phil Schilling, Old Blue was born when Cook’s personal Ducati 750 SuperSport was transformed into a bike light enough and fast enough to beat the competition. The duo bored the original 748cc engine to 883cc and reduced weight using revolutionary techniques such as plasma-spraying aluminum rotors and fabricating titanium axles – all technology that was previously off limits to a privateer team.

The two Cycle magazine editors captivated readers month after month as they chronicled their pursuit of victory at Daytona. When Daytona arrived they won the race, creating a moment in Ducati history that stands out to this day.

With “Old Blue” locked up and hidden from the world in a collector’s bedroom, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum commissioned a replica of the famous bike for the world to enjoy. “Deja Blue” is an exact copy of Neilson and Schilling’s Daytona winner using vintage Ducati parts.

“The Barber Museum is motorcycling’s grandest cathedral," Neilson said. "For Phil and Ducati and me to be represented here is the greatest honour we could imagine. 'Deja Blue' is a masterpiece which perfectly captures not just the look of Old Blue, but its heart, sound and soul.

"This has been a very emotional weekend for Phil and me and all our friends. The people who knew about 'Deja Blue' hoped when it was done that it would be worthy of George Barber and the Barber Museum. Phil and I know it is.”

Deja Blue has found a permanent home at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and can be admired by all who visit the famous facility.