Newcastle-based Geraint James, seeded 16th, and Dublin's Mark Courtney have both pulled out of the event - bringing to thirteen the total number of absentee starters.

James was to drive a Darrian, Courtney a Lancer Evo 6.

That means the following reserves now all take part - ANDREW LEACY, TREVOR BURNS, SHAY WHITE, JOHN PAUL RUTH, KIERAN WHITTY, DAVID HARRIS, DONAL O'CONNOR, MARTIN KIRWAN, ANDREW PURCELL, WESLEY DALY, DAVID CONDELL, EDDIE GARRY and JOE REDMOND.