Barber Vintage Fest Parade laps with Cook Neilson, Paul Smart and Jason DiSalvo

Photo by Michael Lawless

We were making our way through the Barber Museum in Birmingham, Alabama when Cook strode out of the office, leathers and helmet in tow. He tossed the gear at us and suggested we follow him. Inside the elevator we went, dropping down to the limited access lower level, where the workshops are as well as other machines being prepared for display. We ended up outside the back of the museum, with the likes of Phil Schilling and Alan Cathcart waiting on Cook and his fellow riders to show. We watched the festivities get under way with the Race of the Century, a race for 100 year old machines on the race track. Someone suggested he check his Sundial to check lap times, but I think everyone enjoyed watching these grand old machines tackle the tracks many hills and curves.

Legends of Ducati V-Twin racing history, Cook Neilson and Paul Smart enjoy a brief reunion before getting ready to get in some laps at Barber Motorsports track. Both bikes are replicas, The #31 Old Blue is near identical 750 round case Ducati specifically built for the purpose of Cook to ride at events like these. The silver bike in the background is the Paul Smart Replica, an official production replica produced by Ducati at the launch of their Sports Classic line.

2011 will be remembered as the year Ducati recaptured glory at Daytona Speedway. Young Jason DiSalvo rode his Ducati 848 to a win in a controversial race. Dunlop failed to account for changes to the new track surface resulting in rapid wear to the spec front tires and the race had to be stopped until all racers received a new front. Just before the race was stopped, though, DiSalvo's Ducati expired on last lap. During the down time brought about by the tire fiasco, DiSalvo's crew replaced his engine and they just barely made the re-start. Jason was a man on a mission, eventually demonstrating his determination with masterful moves in the final laps to snatch victory. This is the bike Jason won it on and he was about to put in some laps with his fellow Ducati legends.

Last minute preparations were made as the bikes were made ready.

I could almost swear I heard Queen's "We are the Champions" playing somewhere as the guys got going.

The starter engine is placed to the rear wheel of Cook's Ducati and the big twin booms into life. The echo bounced off the backside of the museum as he warmed up the engine.

photo by Michael Lawless

Cook Neilson: Winner of the Daytona Superbike race 1977

Photo by ML

I'm pretty sure JD is telling Cook, "no, these shift on the other side, sir". On the old #31 bike, shifting is on the right side, reverse pattern. JD did get to get in some laps on Old Blue on Sunday.

photo by ML

Jason told me he'll be riding a Triumph 675 next season in the AMA pro series. He has joined his new team and moved south to run a race school here at Barber as well. Expect big things from JD is 2012. That's Jeff Craig and Phil Schilling in the background. Mr. Schilling is soon to be inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame this November for his contributions to the sport as well as his years as editor of Cycle magazine.

The post parade cool down and the guys eagerly swap stories of their brief adventure on Saturday. Neilson was the featured guest for the event, but he was always willing to share the spotlight with the friends.

photo by ML

Triumph enthusiast and master blogger, Matt Smith with the Ducati. Check out his work at http://www.smokeandthrottle.com/ and http://www.theselfcenteredman.com/

That Saint Chistophers medallion is the last things bugs see before they're sucked into the carb bellmouth according to legend. More to follow in the pits at Barber on our next post on racing at Barber on a 1961 Norton Manx.