By Multi Irish road race Superbike champion Derek Sheils will embark upon an enterprising new challenge at TT 2018, as he links up with the improving Penz 13 BMW outfit.
The reigning Cookstown 100, Skerries, Walderstown and Faugheen 50 Grand Final winner alongside piloting high spec BMW Motorrad machinery on the Mountain Course is set to sample next year for the first time the famous Czech Republic and Finland based 300 Curves of Gustav Havel and Imatranajo events.
Photo courtesy of Penz 13 BMW
He’s also set for returns to Macau and Frohburg, where his rostrum/lap record breaking performances in September caught the eye of ex racer and new employer Rico Penzkofer, who’s looking forward to working with Southern Ireland’s fastest TT competitor.
He stated:
“I didn’t know much about Derek until he joined us in Frohburg, but immediately saw that he would fit perfectly into the team and could be a good replacement of Dan Kneen.
His recent Macau GP pace convinced me even more and I took the opportunity to sign him right after the race.
At Frohburg it was actually the first time he rode a BMW with all the electronics. Our suspension engineer Eric Lindemann as well as our mechanic crew pointed out that he provides very good feedback.
I enjoyed working with him and therefore hope that he can help us to further establish our team in real road racing in 2018. I am sure there is a lot to come from Derek in the near future.”
New employee Sheils added his thoughts on joining forces with the experienced Superstock TT podium finishing team.
“I am thankful for the support of John Burrows so far, giving me the opportunity to sign for the big international races with the Penz13 team. I enjoyed my stand in race in Frohburg last September and felt that the BMW is the right bike to step up into the world’s top league of road racers.
I quickly got the grip with the electronics that come along with the HP4 and I was surprised how well advanced their electronic suspension from Tractive (TT Suspension) actually is.
I am obviously aiming high and hope to finish all the TT races within the Top 10 but also taking some race victories over in Europe.”
Words by Stevie Rial
