STEVE McDonald takes on the famous Isle of Man TT circuit this weekend when he competes in the Manx Grand Prix.

The Whitefield racer completed his debut at the Manx in 2000 and finished an incredible sixth behind the big money factory boys.

Last year was quiet for the roadracers due to the foot and mouth epidemic, but Steve hasn't been completely idle, as he explains: "We have done a bit of work on the bike to try and improve things and I have got a bit of sponsorship which will help a lot too.

"I have also been doing some drag racing and a bit of short circuit stuff at Anglesey, but having touched on the Isle of Man I don't really want to go back to short circuit racing.

"I have also been kept fairly busy helping other people out and doing work on other people's bikes.

This year's Manx GP is the final preparation for Steve's TT debut next year in which he will compete in three classes -- 400 TT on a borrowed Honda NC30, 600 Production TT on his Yamaha R6 and a ride in the Senior TT on a Rotary Norton.

"It will be a busy schedule as I am racing in three classes. The TT is traditionally wet so I am going to have to learn my way round the course in the wet too."

Focusing on more immediate matters and this month's attempt on the Manx GP. The big question is can Steve improve on that impressive sixth place in 2000?

"It will be difficult," admitted Steve. "I will be delighted with a top ten finish again, though a podium finish would be brilliant.

"You never know until you get there and see who is going to be racing, but I am confident of a top ten finish and breaking the 100 mph average lap speed."