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Ducati North
America and NCR have teamed up to create a modern
replica of the 1977 Daytona winning 750SS campaigned by
Cook Neilson and Phil Schilling throughout the mid
1970s.
Cook
Neilson, the then editor of Cycle magazine, possessed a
unique combination of skills making him successful as
both a journalist and a racer. With the help of Managing
Editor and ace mechanic Phil Schilling, they were able
to build the 750SS into a remarkably successful race
bike through a remarkable combination of
experimentation, tuning and rider skill. Phil quickly
nicknamed the motorcycle “Old Blue” in reference to the
team’s attractive livery. On March 11th, 1977 the team
celebrated a monumental victory in the AMA Superbike
race at the legendary Daytona Speedway. The first win
for Ducati at Daytona, the race was a significant event
in Ducati's American history. To commemorate the 30th
anniversary of this historic event, a recreation of this
motorcycle was commissioned by Ducati North America and
built by NCR.
“New Blue,”
which began life as a Ducati SportClassic Sport 1000 S,
was sent to NCR’s factory for cosmetic replication and
race preparation. NCR was able to remove an astounding
eighty-four pounds of dry weight and add an additional
30 horsepower to the motorcycle.
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“New Blue,” which began life as a Ducati
SportClassic Sport 1000 S, was sent to NCR’s factory
for cosmetic replication and race preparation. NCR
was able to remove an astounding eighty-four pounds
of dry weight and add an additional 30 horsepower to
the motorcycle. |
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Ducati North America and NCR have teamed up to
create a modern replica of the 1977 Daytona winning
750SS campaigned by Cook Neilson and Phil Schilling
throughout the mid 1970’s. |
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This was
achieved by the usage of lightweight materials such as
titanium, carbon fiber and magnesium throughout the
project. The revised engine output is 116hp at 8450rpm.
The motorcycle was completed with a titanium plate
bearing the signatures of both Cook Neilson and Phil
Schilling.“
This is a
very exciting project and we are looking forward to
seeing Cook and Phil together again,” said Michael Lock,
CEO of Ducati North America. “We inducted both racers
into the Ducati North America Hall of Fame at this
year’s annual Ducati dealer meeting, and now we are
honouring the special bike that they rode as well. The
combination of rider, tuner and motorcycle made a very
successful team.” The North American introduction of the
motorcycle will take place at Ducati New York on
Thursday, January 18th. The motorcycle will be on
display at the remainder of the 2007 IMS Motorcycle
Shows. In addition, NCR will be building a limited
quantity of these special production motorcycles for the
American market.
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