Chase Elliott's day at the Brickyard 400 came to an end before the end of Stage 1 due to engine failure.
Elliott was heard saying it felt like he was "down a cylinder" early in Stage 1, and his team was able to work on the car during a competition caution.
"It's like I'm down a cylinder." @ChaseElliott feels he's down on power early at @IMS! Competition caution coming soon. #NASCARonNBC pic.twitter.com/osFzO9eEPl
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) July 23, 2017
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But Elliott's engine troubles persisted, and smoke appeared from his No. 24 car a few laps later.
.@ChaseElliott's day is done. His engine blew just before the end of Stage 1. #NASCARonNBC #Brickyard400 pic.twitter.com/KaEmbc0aj1
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) July 23, 2017
According to NBC, this was the first time in Elliott's career that he had engine failure.
Believe it or not, that was @chaseelliott's first career engine failure in the #NASCAR Cup Series.
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) July 23, 2017
Elliott said he's been racing with Hendrick Motorsports engines since 2013, and this is the first time he's had an engine issues.
"This is the first engine problem I've ever had (with Hendrick), so I'll take those odds all day long." - @ChaseElliott#NASCARonNBC pic.twitter.com/fUeZ80Mp7S
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) July 23, 2017
Elliott is still in good shape for the playoffs despite not having a win. He is currently No. 6 in the standings, but he is far from a lock to reach the postseason.