Long Beach: Joey Scarallo race notes

Problems Stymie Scarallo at Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
Sophomore Driver Finishes 13th in Trans-Am Season Opener

LONG BEACH, Calif. (April 18, 2004) -- Joey Scarallo, driver of the No. 06 ROH Wheels/Group A Autotrend / Toyo Tires Chevrolet Corvette, wasn't able to catch a break in today's Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, the season opener of this year's Motorock Trans-Am Series championship.

Scarallo started 14th in the grid and was involved in a first-lap, multi-car crash in turn one. Scarallo rebounded, but ignition problems slowed him on the backstretch.

"The ignition fizzled out and I was stopped on the backstraight," said Scarallo. "I lost a few laps pulling out into the green," said Scarallo.

Scarallo pitted, but a tire failure then sidelined him for the rest of the event. "The tire began to shred and it cut down on its own," said Scarallo.

Scarallo, though, was upbeat about his performance.

"The car itself, handled great," said Scarallo. "When we were running, we were running very well. It was both frustrating and annoying that we did not finish this race, but I am optimistic that all the car's kinks will be ironed out between now and Portland's race on June 19.

"I have my feet wet again and feel good about this year. I look forward to a success in Portland in June and am eagerly awaiting the next race," concluded

Scarallo completed 17 laps and earned 13 points toward the 2004 Trans-Am Series championship.

The oldest of four siblings, Scarallo, 25, lives in Smithtown, N.Y. Scarallo manages Autotrend Tire and Wheel Company Inc., his family's wheel importing business in Lindenhurst, N.Y. Scarallo will compete next at Portland International Raceway on June 19.

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