Long Beach: Joey Scarallo Saturday notes

Scarallo Skips Trans-Am Qualifying

LONG BEACH, Calif. (April 17, 2004) -- Blaming it on rainy conditions, Joey Scarallo, driving the No. 06 Toyo Tires/ROH Wheels Chevrolet Corvette did not take part in the 30-minute qualifying session today at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

"The car was prepared for dry conditions and we did not have our rain tires," said Scarallo. "We didn't want to take the risk of damaging the car due to our tires.

"If we had gone out for qualifying, we would have most likely qualified in the back," added Scarallo. "Since we didn't want to risk the car, we figured we would start in the back in tomorrow's race and put on a good show."

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 take part in the final Trans-Am practice session, scheduled for 3:45 p.m. PDT.

-sm-