For all the horse power that has appeared at Punchestown over the years, there has never been anything quite like today's show. 300 horse power World Rally Cars, 700 horse power rallycross cars, right down to the Ford Ka's...today's Rally Masters has it all. Following the familiarisation run of the stage, the drivers, many of whom have not been competing since last year, made variied comments.

Tarmac Champion Andrew Nesbitt brought his Cuisine de France backed Subaru WRC to the stop board at the far side of the grandstands, gave a huge laugh and said "It's great to be out in a rally car again. The car feels really good, the stage is difficult enough, there is a big dip at the wood bark which could cause trouble". When Ray Breen came in he said "There is a lot more driving in that than what you think". Former Tarmac Champion Frank Meagher looked decidedly shaky at the stage finish - despite it only being a familiarisation run, Frank looked to be really trying, and said "The bark dip nearly caught us out, the nose was right down".

Billy Coleman's Metro 6R4 had a broken front spoiler, testimony to hard he was trying over the dip, with a big smile on his face Billy said "The car's really good, pity I can't drive it". If you believe that, you'll believe anything! Billy won 2 Internationals in a Metro 6R4.

Proceedings were brought to a temporary halt on the familiarisation run when Pat White, his Escort Cosworth complete with new sponsorship from Remax Royal County, got the car wedged down at the narrow piece of track at the bottom of the course. That gives us a chance to catch up on some changes to the entry list from the original as advertised in Cathy Brogan's programme. Paul Kelly is sitting in with Coleman and Mark Geraghty is co driving for McKinstry while Pat Lordan sits with Tim McNulty. Kieran Cusack is now co-driving for Tommy Graham, Tommy had a good familiarisation run, although he admits to making a hash of the start. Dominic McNeill is a non starter. While drivers such as Derek McGarrity, Niall Driver and Kevin Barrett, cars 78, 86 and 57, are now running behind car 20. There are a few more number slotted in there, including No.28 Peter McCullagh, 46 James Foley, 42 Jimmy Lambert, 43 John Tracey, 80 Mervyn Johnston and 75 Ollie O'Donovan in the ex McRae Legacy.

Late entries include Allan Chambers in his Sunbeam who is No.90. We said earlier about Michael Lyster driving the Puma - that has now changed to Enda Nolan,making a comeback after 8 years. No.84 is James Eivers in a Ford Ka, 88 is Ivan Allen in a Suzuki and 89 is John Hennessy in a Bio Clear backed Ford Escort.

There is no group N category today but no doubt a few of the gpN hotshots will be having their own race - top showroom cars include - Brendan Kelly in the new silver Lancer Evo 6, Rory Kennedy is co driving for Brendan. George & Alan Tracey are in a very fit Subaru. Raymond Johnston & Ivan Fisher are in their Lancer..and these 3 along with several more are the men to watch..more news after first timed stage..BRIAN & LIZ PATTERSON