Jamie McMurray retires early from the Coca-Cola 600

Credit: Robert Lebarger/Getty Images for NASCAR

Jamie McMurray, driver of the No. 1 Bass Pro Shops/Hope for Joplin Mo Chevrolet, pulled out of the Coca-Cola 600 at lap 181 because of an engine failure.

He told reporters that he had no warning that there was trouble because his engine ran well all night. He's not really sure 'what' happened but said the "motor let go." A guess is that it's was a rod. He said that "you can break a valve spring and kind of baby it for the remainder of the race but whatever broke, it shook really hard and smoked. Usually when oil runs out the bottom, it's not so good."

Jamie started the race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in 35th position. This is his second 'DNF' this season; the previous was in Phoenix, AZ due to a crash.