"Deja Blue" Debut, Barber Vintage Weekend, 2008

Barber Vintage Weekend is always special but 2008 Cook Neilson was the guest of honor and that made it even better. Add to that the surprise debut of "Deja Blue", a replica of Old Blue commissioned by Barbers Museum from Rich Lambrechts to surprise Cook and Phil Schilling and the weekend made magic. See it all right here. Story and photos by Vicki Smith For more on Rich Lambrechts go to http://www.desmopro.com

That's Cook Neilson (pronounced "Nelson"). Cook and his life long best friend, Phil Schilling did something in 1977 that captured the imagination of motorcyclists all around the USA. They built and raced "Old Blue", 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. That's where this story begins I suppose......

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That's Cook Neilson (pronounced "Nelson"). Cook and his life long best friend, Phil Schilling did something in 1977 that captured the imagination of motorcyclists all around the USA. They built and raced "Old Blue", 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. That's where this story begins I suppose......

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