Derek Sheils on MSS Kawasaki as Adelaide Masters Series reaches climax

Derek Sheils will ride an MSS Kawasaki-prepared ZX-10R Superbike for Chris Dowd this weekend as the Dublin rider aims to clinch the Adelaide Masters title in style.

The final round of the series takes place at Mondello Park in Co Kildare over the weekend, with Sheils determined to continue his domination of the high-profile short circuit championship on home soil.

CD Racing team boss Dowd has secured the MSS Kawasaki Superbike for Sheils - who has impressed on the roads as well as the circuits this season - for the showpiece finale on Sunday but also with a view to preparing for a bigger challenge in 2014.

Joining Sheils, who only needs to finish in the points to take home the championship spoils, will be Kilkenny’s Damien Byrne, who is aiming to cement second place.

However, Lisburn man David Haire still has an opportunity to snatch the runner-up spot from Byrne after battling his way back into contention following an injury-plagued start to the season.

The top riders will also battle it out in the non-championship Grand Final, guaranteeing a fitting finale to the series on Sunday following the completion of the championship races as they bid to land the top prize fund.

While the Superbike title outcome is all but assured, the Supersport class remains wide open with Haire tied on points with Kilkenny’s Richie Ryan.

Lisburn’s Carl Phillips on the Sandown Racing Yamaha also has an excellent chance of lifting the crown.

Luke Johnston and Jamie Patterson are also in with a chance, but realistically the winner should come from the top three of Ryan, Haire and Phillips.

The opening races of the weekend take place on Saturday following practice with the main programme of events on Sunday, including the big-money Grand Final showdown.

Admission on either day of the Adelaide Masters Series Finale is just 10 euros for adults with under 16s admitted free.