John Hunter Nemechek blows up, and so do his Chase hopes

John Hunter Nemechek knew heading into Saturday's Chase elimination Camping World Truck Series race at Talladega Superspeedway that he likely needed to win to keep his 2016 championship hopes alive.

It didn't happen.

On Lap 14 of the Fred's 250 at the 2.66-mile track, the engine in Nemechek's No. 8 Chevrolet let loose in a cloud of smoke, ending his day early and terminating any slim hope he may have had left of advancing in the Truck Series playoffs.

Nemecheck came into Saturday's race 15 points behind Johnny Sauter for the sixth and final transfer spot into the next round of the Chase.