Can we officially say there's a hex on 2024 Ryan Blaney?

KEN'S CALL: Back in late winter, he had three straight top-five finishes. Since then, just two top 10s. Running out of gas with the checkers about to unfurl could be viewed as a positive step or ominous signal. With 21 races remaining, I lean toward positive step.

RYAN'S RAMBLE: Hey, it's tough to win back-to-back championships, that's why it hasn't been done since Jimmie Johnson won an absurd five straight (2006-2010). It's been a little luck evening out with a dash of early-season, poor Ford performance but I wouldn't call in an exorcist just yet.

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Which Kyle are we blaming for that wreck, Larson or Busch?

KEN'S CALL: I'll blame the weatherman. Without the Indy rain delay, Larson wouldn't have missed Charlotte, which means he wouldn't have been as hungry for an extra stage point, and therefore wouldn't have forced the issue. Let's consider Larson an accessory.

RYAN'S RAMBLE: Nah, that one was on Larson. Clearly. He didn't have a great car and tried to make a move that required one. You can speculate on the 'why' all you want to, but passing on the inside was just about impossible all day (ask Christopher Bell) and on the last lap of Stage 2, that was probably an unnecessary attempt.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Ryan Blaney doomed? Kyle Larson or Kyle Busch to blame? | NASCAR