Former Irish Superbike Champion Derek Sheils has become the latest star rider to confirm he will make his TT debut at the 2013 Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy.
The Dublin rider will contest the Dainese Superbike, Royal London 360 Superstock and PokerStars Senior races on a 1000cc ZX-10R Kawasaki for the well-established CD Racing team.
It will be a much-anticipated first appearance at the TT for the 30-year-old, although he does have previous experience of the Mountain course having competed in the 2009 Manx Grand Prix Newcomers Race on a standard spec 675cc Triumph. Despite the inclement conditions, he lapped at more than 112mph on his way to 2nd.
Irish Superbike Champion in 2004, his career has gone from strength-to-strength since he focussed on the roads. He will arrive at the TT as one of Ireland’s leading road racers.
For the last three seasons, he has consistently finished in the top five of the Irish National road races, regularly battling with TT stars like Ryan Farquhar, Michael and William Dunlop and Adrian Archibald.
Highlights have included a Superbike win at the Skerries 100 and podiums at the Tandragee 100, Mid Antrim 150, Bush, Walderstown, Munster and Killalane. His consistency has been rewarded in the Irish Road Race Championships, finishing 2nd in both the 2011 Superbike and Supersport series and third in 2012. He has also been a front runner at Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough, with a host of podium spots at both the Cock o’ the North and Ian Watson Trophy meetings.
In addition, Sheils has also lapped the Dundrod circuit at close to 127mph and his appearance adds further spice to what promises to be a superb entry list.
Isle of Man Government TT and Motorsport Manager Paul Phillips said:
“Derek is a rider we have wanted to add to the TT entry list for some considerable time.”
“He has consistently shown his road racing pedigree over the last few years in Ireland and I am sure the fans will eagerly anticipate his TT debut.”
“He has the talent to be a great TT rider and by teaming up with the CD Racing team, a team that has achieved so much road racing success, he is giving himself every chance of fulfilling his potential.”