Michael Brown has found himself in familiar territory at the Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) this week in Fort William. The 25 year-old Gas Gas rider from Scarborough, who has so far been runner-up in the SSDT four times (in 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011), starts day six in third place, chasing his first ever win. With only one mark separating Brown from second-placed James Dabill (Beta), and current leader Dougie Lampkin (Gas Gas) just two marks in front, today's final battle for the top spot will be closely fought.

So will 2012 be Michael Brown's winning year? Speaking last night, Michael said: "I hope so. It's been a strange week. I haven't led all week, but I've always been there or thereabouts. I'm happy with how I'm riding. I've come close in the past, I think I lost by two marks one year so I've been in this position before, but we [the team] will just try and enjoy Saturday and hopefully we'll win."

Brown has experienced similar success in the ACU British Trials Championship in which he has also been the runner-up four times and has never won. However, Michael's fortunes appear to be changing. Last month he beat reigning British Champion and 2011 SSDT, victor James Dabill to win the opening round of the 2012 domestic series, which was also held in Fort William. Brown is aiming to repeat this success and to end today as winner of the 2012 Scottish Six Days Trial.

Commenting on what winning the SSDT today would mean to him and the Gas Gas UK team, Michael added: "This is one of my favourite trials of the year, and obviously for the factory, John Shirt [Gas Gas UK team manager] and everyone involved in the team it's a big event. Since being a kid I've been coming up here nearly every year, so to win would be a massive achievement for me."

How strong does Brown think his chances of winning today are? "Up until now, touch wood, I've not had a five. Every other year I've had maybe one five that has been a bit of a disaster. So I'll be aiming to keep off the fives, and hopefully other riders will make mistakes and we'll pip them to the post this time."

Brown will be in one of the final riders setting off on today's final 58-mile course across the Scottish Highlands. When asked whether he thought this would give him an advantage over some of his rivals riding in front of him, Michael answered: "Yes, I think so. We were at the back last year on Saturday and it seemed to be a lot easier. So hopefully there'll be some lines in the sections and there'll be a bit more grip, so we can just try to relax and ride a bit slower. A late number could be good."

One thing Michael said he would ensure if wins the 2012 Scottish Six Days Trial was: "There will be a big party in Fort William tonight."