By Richard Petrie BBC Sport

Jonathan Rea and Michael Laverty may not have locked horns on the track last season but the pair will go head-to-head at the Irish Racer Awards on Friday night.

Michael Laverty won the Sunflower Trophy in October

The two young short circuit stars will battle it out for the prestigious Irish Motorcyclist of the Year prize at the Ramada Hotel with BJ Toal, Ian Lowry and Ryan Farquhar among those hoping to come home third in the showpiece showdown.

Rea, who won the award last year, boasts an impressive 2007 CV - second place in the British Superbike Championship including five race wins and nine runner-up finishes.

The Ballyclare lad scored points consistently throughout the series and reeled off four successive wins midway through the campaign to put pressure on eventual winner Ryuichi Kiyonari.

Laverty's year was no less impressive with five wins out of 13 starts helping him land the British Supersport title by a thumping 51 points.

The Toomebridge rider got off to a flying start by taking the flag in the opening two races of his series and then came with a late flurry of victories to see off the challenge of his Relentless TAS Suzuki team-mate Lowry.

Laverty collected the Irish Racer award in 2005 so both racing rivals are hoping to secure the crown for the second time.

With the public vote still to be added to that of a panel of judges, the race for the big prize is set to go right to the line.

It's too close to call and even a dead heat is not out of the question.

Both riders face new challenges this year with Rea contesting the World Supersport series with the HANNspree Ten Kate Honda team and Laverty moving to British Superbikes.

As well as the main award, the two young speed sensations will also fight it out for the Short Circuit Rider award but some of the other winners are easier to predict.

Jonathan Rea rode for HM Plant Honda last year

With a one-two in British Supersports and four international road race wins under their belt, Relentless TAS Suzuki should surely reclaim the Team of the Year from last year's winners, McAdoo Racing.

Manxman Conor Cummins looks certain to claim the National Road Racer accolade, having won the Open and 600cc Irish road race titles.

Cummins already has the Duke Road Race Rankings prize in the bag and he will be presented with that award on the night.

The International Road Racer of the Year should be fiercely contested with Isle of Man TT 130mph lap man John McGuinness the favourite to repeat last year's success.

North West 200 hat-trick hero Bruce Anstey, Ian Hutchinson, Guy Martin and Macau Grand Prix winner Steve Plater also have credible claims on the trophy.

Young Rider of the Year is one of the most open categories of the night with Nikki Coates, Jamie Hamilton, Josh Elliott, Graeme Irwin and Natalie Kane all in the running.

Martin Barr, Wayne Garrett, Irwin and Keith Farmer are the top tips for Off-Road Rider and a leading light from the world of motorcycling will lift the International Achievement Award.

Other awards include the Hall of Fame, which already includes road racing legends Robert Dunlop, Phillip McCallen and Ray McCullough, and the Services to Sport presentation.

The Retailer of the Year, a new addition this year, completes the list.

Guest of the honour for the evening will be 15-times world champion Giacomo Agostini and golfer Graeme McDowell will be among the stars from other sports in attendance.