We were planning to go, hoping that Hayata would sign on. Now that Ishikawa & Hirano and practically the entire JNT top echelon (sans Ito) will show up also, it makes the trip imperative
The Race is down to the wire, as close as it can get (currently a mere 65 pts gap) and most exciting because of the incredibly goofy twists and turns last couple of months.
I have never seen Ishikawa in a Challenge series, but now the chips are down, her mom/manager and Rira Ishikawa (a graduate of JOC/EA and curently team captain of her University) are both going in support, attest to how seriously she’s taking it, even though the best either can do is a gain of 200 pts IF either wins (to replace a 900).
Without CNT, therefore no phobia, Ishikawa has advantage over Hirano, who can be mentally goofy (as admitted herself), and still suffered from regular ‘zombie attacks’.
Now if CNT throws a few monkey wrenches into the works, we may witness the fiercest all-out fight yet
In N.America, it’s a rare treat to see any of the top 10 in action. In 2016 we drove our motorhome 4700Km to Philadelphia to see LSW & DN, disappointment turned into exhilaration as we witnessed Hirano taking down Ito right after her Rio Team Bronze, and a day later, saw Hirano’s finest moment.
Crossing the Rockies in the dead of winter in a 32ft motorhome may turn out to be a one-way trip, so we’re flying, despite peak season rates. We’re going to bring gifts too, boxes of Kleenex, for both the winner and loser, for their tears of joy and despair.
Can’t wait !!