"Now that I have got rid of the monkey on my back having won a TT, I feel I can go for an Ulster win with a clear mind and no hang-ups," he said.

"I had two TT wins and believe me I felt refreshed afterwards and I am hoping that I maintain the tempo for the Ulster which is very much one of my favourite courses.

Donald has a good record over the Drundrod circuit for he was third in the 600cc class on his debut in 2005. Then he missed a year because of injury before coming back last year and giving a good account of himself not only in the Ulster but the Dundrod 150 which was held on the Thursday night.

"This was a high speed contest with Guy Martin, John McGuinness, Ian Hutchinson, Bruce Anstey and Conor Cummins all involved as well as myself," said Donald.

"At the end of the race Martin came out in front from McGuiness and Hutchinson but I had the honour of being the first rider to lap the course at over 130mph. McGuiness ended up No 1 on 131mph. What it will be this year is anybody's guess but I feel that I can begin Ulster Grand Prix week with a win."

Donald added that he might have won three TT races but for the fact that his crankcase split on his Suzuki and ended up with an oil leak when he was leading the Senior race by six seconds.

"That was a big disappointment to me but hopefully I will get my revenge at the Ulster."

Donald also showed early form at the North West 200 in May when he was second in the main race to trebble topper Steve Plater and third in the Superstock won by Alistair Seeley.

Donald said: "I led in both of those races on the last lap on the coast road but I was passed a mile from the finish and I was disappointed that my winning effort fizzled out so quickly. But believe me maintaining a lead in the North West especially in the closing stages is not easy to do."

Donald is a character who has lots of stories and his Australian background make him something of a novelty among the Ulster road racing fraternity. But he has certainly settled with the TAS Suzuki team and he hopes to be back next year.

He pointed out that Suzuki has being going really well and is the right sort of bike for such a fast track as Dundrod.

He added: "Everybody says the same thing. It is a rider's circuit and very technical. By technical I mean if you get the fist section you are on course for getting the other sections in your sights. That's the only way you can maintain momentum on this track with so many sweeping bends.

"I still think the Deer's Leap is breathtaking and it reminds me of Brayhill at the TT."

Donald feels that this year he has stepped up a gear and this is mainly due to Hector and Philip Neill who run the TAS Suzuki outfit.

"I have to thank them for everything," said the unassuming Donald.

"They have given me my big chance and I certainly don't intend to let them down. I know they have a good record at the Ulster Grand Prix especially with Bruce Anstey about and Bruce and I will no doubt have some famous battles at the Ulster. I can't wait to bring it on."