Engine problem adds to Riggs' disappointment

HAMPTON, Ga. -- An engine failure on Lap 295 of 325 forced Scott Riggs to retire early from the Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

"Something let go in the motor," said Riggs, who was credited with a 33rd-place finish. "I felt a little loss of power in the Checkers/Valvoline Chevrolet on one lap and the next I had a pretty bad vibration. I knew then we were in trouble."

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"I hate it for the whole team and everyone at Checkers, Rally's and Valvoline," Riggs continued. "Hendrick Motorsports gives us great horsepower week after week. Every once in a while you're going to have something like this happen -- it's disappointing, but that's just part of the sport."

At the time of the engine incident, Riggs was running in 30th place.

"It was a disappointing day," offered Riggs. "We kept working on the balance of the Checkers/Valvoline Chevy trying to get it better but we never found the right combination. We'll just look forward to next week and hope for better things."

The Nextel Cup Series will visit Texas Motor Speedway for next Sunday's (Nov. 6) Dickies 500. The race will be broadcast live on NBC beginning at 3 p.m. ET, 2 p.m. CT.