Teams » Season 18

Margie & Luke
Name (Age): Margie Adams (53)
Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colo.
Connection to your Teammate: Mother
Current Occupation: RN, BSN, Clinical Research Associate
Previous Season/Result: Season 14/3rd place

Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: Not drinking enough water and becoming dehydrated in Thailand. I fainted.
Most memorable moment from your first Race: Finishing in first place for the first leg of the Race.
Favorite place you visited on your first season: Thailand, it was number one on my wish list for Season 14 so getting to go to both Bangkok and Phuket was fantastic.
Why do you want to run the Race again? It was one of the most exciting and best experiences of my life. I am looking forward to all the new places we will go.
How have you changed since the last time you competed? I am more confident and more willing to try new things.
What are you passionate about? People being kind and accepting of each other
People would be surprised to learn: Nothing, I'm pretty boring.
One location that you hope to go on this adventure: Ireland, my grandparents are from there and I would love to see the country.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Some of the challenges require you to be able to listen/hear/sign and when those challenges come up we have to pick the other challenge since Luke is completely deaf. He cannot hear or use oral language.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race again (other than winning one million dollars): Getting to spend time one-on-one with Luke
Pet peeve about your teammate: He is a very loud eater.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? Retire a few years earlier than planned.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: We need to be more careful about reading the clues.

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Name (Age): Luke Adams (25)
Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colo.
Connection to your Teammate: Son
Current Occupation: Motivational Speaker
Previous Season/Result: Season 14/3rd place

Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: My biggest mistake was not being able to figure out what the last surfboard was during the final challenge!
Most memorable moment from your first Race: The hilarious cheese hill task and the underwear marathon.
Favorite place you visited on your first season: Thailand because the country and culture are just so beautiful. I would love to go there again someday.
Why do you want to run the Race again? To win The Amazing Race! I want to make up for my big blunder in the final leg of the last race.
How have you changed since the last time you competed? I stop more when I am traveling now to enjoy the scenery. I try not to rush things.
What are you passionate about? Travel, my family and friends.
People would be surprised to learn: I'm afraid of flying. I always have to suck it up whenever I'm on planes.
One location that you hope to go on this adventure: Ireland, because it would be awesome to see where my family came from.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Being sleep deprived!
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race again (other than winning one million dollars): It would be cool if we could visit five continents, avoid being u-turned and be the first team to make it to the final three twice!
Pet peeve about your teammate: Nothing -- she is an awesome teammate and mom!
What would you do if you won the million dollars? Invest.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: I don't think I will change anything since our strategy from last time worked well. Hopefully it will bring us to the final three again and we can win this time!

Jet & Cord
Name (Age): Jet McCoy (31)
Hometown: Ada, Okla.
Connection to your Teammate: Brother
Current Occupation: Cowboy
Previous Season/Result: Season 16/2nd place

Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: Leaving a coconut during one of the challenges.
Most memorable moment from your first Race: Bungee jumping.
Favorite place you visited on your first season: Argentina because it was the most like Oklahoma.
Why do you want to run the Race again? To win!
How have you changed since the last time you competed? I haven't changed.
What are you passionate about? Horses.
People would be surprised to learn: I love to read.
One location that you hope to go on this adventure: Italy because I've never been there before.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Cab drivers.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race again (other than winning one million dollars): I wouldn't be running the Race if it weren't for the million dollars.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He is habitually late.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? Invest.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: I will look for more opportunities to get ahead.

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Name (Age): Cord McCoy (30)
Hometown: Tupelo, Okla.
Connection to your Teammate: Brother
Current Occupation: Cowboy
Previous Season/Result: Season 16/2nd place

Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: Getting second.
Most memorable moment from your first Race: The whole race is Amazing.
Favorite place you visited on your first season: South America because there were lots of cowboys like us.
Why do you want to run the Race again? It will be amazing to do a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity twice.
How have you changed since the last time you competed? I got married.
What are you passionate about? LIFE
People would be surprised to learn: The first time, I got engaged and took off right after. This time, I'm getting married and leaving for the second time.
One location that you hope to go on this adventure: Australia.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: It will be hard being away from our wives.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race again (other than winning one million dollars): I want to meet new people, see the world and win lots of legs because that comes with prizes.
Pet peeve about your teammate: I don't really have one. I think we complement each other well.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? Same thing I'm doing right now.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: Go faster!

Jamie & Cara
Name (Age): Jaime Edmondson (32)
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Connection to your Teammate: Former NFL cheerleaders
Current Occupation: Playboy Playmate
Previous Season/Result: Season 14/2nd place

Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: Over-packing! I could have been fine with about 7-10 pounds less stuff in my pack.
Most memorable moment from your first Race: Finishing the Race from the starting line to the finish line.
Favorite place you visited on your first season: Switzerland. It had the most magical scenery and it made me do something I would never have done if there had not been a million dollar carrot dangling at the bottom -- bungee jumping.
Why do you want to run the Race again? Who wouldn't want to do an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity twice?
How have you changed since the last time you competed? My whole life changed since the last race. I moved to LA, became Playboy's Playmate of the Month (Miss January 2010), traveled the country nonstop and am living a life I never dreamed of before the last Race. I love every moment!
What are you passionate about? Animals.
People would be surprised to learn: People are often surprised to learn I was a police officer.
One location that you hope to go on this adventure: Australia. It is the one place I had hoped to visit during the last race.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Luck! We were solid racers when it came to the actual tasks but the luck with the taxis was a killer. We're hoping that turns around this time!
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race again (other than winning one million dollars): I hope to win, not for the million dollars, but because finishing in second place the first time around, I now feel like winning is the only way to top it.
Pet peeve about your teammate: I don't have any pet peeves about Cara. I chose her the first time to be my partner for exactly that reason. She is the perfect balance to me and honestly one of the only people I know who I think could handle racing with me.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? This is probably the most boring answer ever, but I would put it in a retirement fund.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: I believe Cara and I ran a good solid race the first time, and plan to run that way again.

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Name (Age): Cara Rosenthal (28)
Hometown: Boca Raton, Fla.
Connection to your Teammate: Former NFL Cheerleaders
Current Occupation: Government Relations Consultant and law student
Previous Season/Result: Season 14/2nd place

Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: Packing way too much stuff in our backpacks. We were each carrying twenty five pounds and we didn't need half of it!
Most memorable moment from your first Race: The whole race was memorable but I really remember the plethora of ailments, injuries and occurrences I sustained while racing. I fell running down the mountain in Germany and busted my knee wide open, had a lung infection and somehow managed to find piles of animal feces to step in all the time throughout multiple countries.
Favorite place you visited on your first season: I really loved Guilin, China. It was a truly beautiful place and a fascinating juxtaposition of old and new.
Why do you want to run the Race again? Redemption! I hate to lose almost as much as I love to win.
How have you changed since the last time you competed? I have not really changed. I am still the same spirited, driven and competitive person I was last time.
What are you passionate about? I am most passionate about friendship. My father always told me to be friends with everyone and to see the good in people. I have tried to live by this advice and as a result I am fortunate to have incredible friends.
People would be surprised to learn: That my law school outlines are coming on the road with me as I am taking my finals as soon as I return from this Race! So people may be surprised to learn that I'm moderately insane!
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Luck! Last race, Jaime and I weren't the luckiest, but we still persevered leg after leg. This time, we hope to have a little luck.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race again (other than winning one million dollars): To experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, AGAIN!
Pet peeve about your teammate: Jaime's impatience and complete disregard for others' feelings is my pet peeve about her.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? First of all, it's not IF I win, but WHEN I win. Secondly, it will probably be something unexpected.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: Yes, we won't be starving ourselves. Last time we pretty much only ate on airplanes when we were racing. Being conservative with our limited funds is important, but so is nourishment!

Flight Time & Big Easy
Name (Age): Herb "Flight Time" Lang (34)
Hometown: Brinkley, Ark.
Connection to your Teammate: Harlem Globetrotters Teammate
Current Occupation: Professional Basketball player with the Harlem Globetrotters
Previous Season/Result: Season 15/4th place

Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: Trusting that Dan would keep his word.
Most memorable moment from your first Race: When Big Easy found the needle in the haystack for a first place finish on my birthday!
Favorite place you visited on your first season: Sweden and Vietnam because we came in first both times.
Why do you want to run the Race again? Redemption -- and to win it all!
How have you changed since the last time you competed? I haven't changed. I'm still the same.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about winning -- and being with the Globetrotters for over 10 years, I've gotten used to it!
People would be surprised to learn: That we didn't take either of the two trips we won on our season.
One location that you hope to go on this adventure: Australia -- I've been to 80 countries, but I've never been there.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: We always felt we are our biggest challenges. We determine how we do, not the other teams.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race again (other than winning one million dollars): We want to accomplish what we did last time. We want to run a good race and be an example to everyone that you don't have to be jerks to be competitive and do well.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He snores like you wouldn't believe!
What would you do if you won the million dollars? Invest some and donate some to charity.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: None! Just win!

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Name (Age): Nate "Big Easy" Lofton (29)
Hometown: New Orleans, La.
Connection to your Teammate: Harlem Globetrotters Teammate
Current Occupation: Professional Basketball player with the Harlem Globetrotters
Previous Season/Result: Season 15/4th place

Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: Over-thinking the game and not taking my time to concentrate.
Most memorable moment from your first Race: Winning first place for "Flight Time" on his birthday.
Favorite place you visited on your first season: Vietnam was my favorite place to visit because the people were awesome.
Why do you want to run the Race again? I want to win!
How have you changed since the last time you competed? I'm way more relaxed now than I was the first time around.
What are you passionate about? I'm passionate about my kids and my family.
People would be surprised to learn: I am afraid of horror movies.
One location that you hope to go on this adventure: I want to go to Australia because every Harlem Globetrotter says it is their favorite country and I want to see what the fuss is about.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Hopefully, we won't face any really big challenges. We ran a good race last time and hopefully will do the same this time around.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race again (other than winning one million dollars): I want everyone to see that athletes can be great role models.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He is too nice sometimes.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? I want to open a gym in the neighborhood where I grew up.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: I don't think so. I think we ran a great Race.

Gary & Mallory
Name (Age): Gary Ervin (53)
Hometown: Morganfield, Ky.
Connection to your Teammate: Father
Current Occupation: Owner of Ervin Cable Construction
Previous Season/Result: Season 17/6th Place

Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: Getting lost in Oman.
Most memorable moment from your first Race: It was very memorable getting second three legs in a row. It was nice in Norway and Sweden because we had a comfortable lead and could relax a little and look around.
Favorite place you visited on your first season: St. Petersburg, Russia. It was a beautiful city with great people. Plus, it wasn't 100 degrees outside.
Why do you want to run the Race again? All of the same reasons as before except we want to win this time.
How have you changed since the last time you competed? I'm better prepared physically and mentally.
What are you passionate about? My family, my work, my faith, fitness and now, The Amazing Race!
People would be surprised to learn: I ran 13 marathons and a half Ironman triathlon after I turned 45.
One location that you hope to go on this adventure: Australia, I've never been and I like the spirit of the people that I have met from there.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: To relax and enjoy the moment and not miss the beauty of what we are running through.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race again (other than winning one million dollars): Meet new people, see new places and be the last team standing.
Pet peeve about your teammate: She talks too much.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? Give it away.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: Let Mallory drive more. She is a more aggressive driver and I am a better navigator. We are also only going to bring one backpack with less than twenty pounds for both of us.

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Name (Age): Mallory Ervin (25)
Hometown: Morganfield, Ky.
Connection to your Teammate: Daughter
Current Occupation: Entertainer
Previous Season/Result: Season 17/6th place

Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: Not turning around earlier in Oman.
Most memorable moment from your first Race: Finishing the bicycle rim challenge in Ghana and moving from last place to second place.
Favorite place you visited on your first season: I loved the Arctic Circle, especially the first half in Sweden. We were so hot and tired after racing two legs in Ghana, so the weather was perfect. I loved the snow.
Why do you want to run the Race again? I want to continue what we started last season and make it to the end. I also want to be the first parent-child team to win.
How have you changed since the last time you competed? It hasn't been that long, but my occupation has changed. I was the reigning Miss Kentucky during the last race, but my year of service has ended so things aren't as crazy and hectic this time. I am able to focus more on the Race and I've grown even more excited about it this time.
What are you passionate about? Performing, my family, my faith and striving to be a positive role model.
One location that you hope to go on this adventure: Australia! I've never been, but I know I would love it there. I think my dad and I would fit right in with the people there.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: To enjoy it more than we did last time. That will be a challenge because we loved it so much. We also need to work on our patience with each other.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race again (other than winning one million dollars): I hope to see my dad standing proud and fulfilled at the finish line.
Pet peeve about your teammate: My dad is laid back and moves a little slower than me. My pet peeve is when he takes a long time to get his thoughts out and I'm already onto the next thing.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? I would give some of it to the Catholic school that I attended growing up. I would use the rest of the money to begin my life and career.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: I need to let my dad navigate more. He's definitely better at that. We also need to remember how strong we are.

Mel & Mike
Name (Age): Mel White (70)
Hometown: Lynchburg, Va.
Connection to your Teammate: Father
Current Occupation: Writer and activist
Previous Season/Result: Season 14/6th place

Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: Not insisting that we take the fast forward, use our remaining funds to support an orphanage in Thailand, and jump to the front of the line (instead of being eliminated).
Most memorable moment from your first Race: Soaring out over the Bavarian Alps.
Favorite place you visited on your first season: Siberia, I expected gulags and icebergs. Instead, I discovered great cities, friendly people and one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world, Novosibirsk.
Why do you want to run the Race again? To spend quality, even though stressful, time with my son and to enjoy the Race wholeheartedly.
How have you changed since the last time you competed? Now that I'm 70 years old I've joined a very elite number of OLD RACERS. Now, I feel like I am representing everyone that is older than 70, and I don't want to fail them.
What are you passionate about? Helping young gay men see why "it does get better." The recent increase in suicide among gay men breaks my heart.
People would be surprised to learn: My partner, Gary, and I were married in California on June 18, 2009 after spending almost 30 years together.
One location that you hope to go on this adventure: Galapagos Islands or Bhutan, the "happiest" country in Asia.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: At 70, I will probably be the oldest person on the Race. My son, at age 40, will also be one of the older Racers. Together, we are 110 years old!
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race again (other than winning one million dollars): I want to stay in the Race at least as long as last time so that I won't disappoint my son.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He wants us to pack so lightly that we will probably freeze in cold weather and dehydrate when it's hot.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? I will use the money to help the 58 orphans at the Ne Future for Children home and school in Phnom Pen, Cambodia.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: Never stop racing; read the clues more carefully; quit worrying and enjoy THE AMAZING RACE.

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Name (Age): Mike White (40)
Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.
Connection to your Teammate: Son
Current Occupation: Writer
Previous Season/Result: Season 14/6th place

Most memorable moment from your first Race: Watching my dad paraglide over the Alps.
Favorite place you visited on your first season: India because it was so beautiful, colorful and strange.
Why do you want to run the Race again? Because I want to have the adventure and the experience with my father.
How have you changed since the last time you competed? I turned 40.
What are you passionate about? Animals.
People would be surprised to learn: I don't eat dairy or meat.
One location that you hope to go on this adventure: African safari because I've never been and I think it would be cool to see the exotic animals in their natural habitat.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: My dad is 70 and I think physical challenges will be tricky.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race again (other than winning one million dollars): Getting another chance to grow closer to my pops.
Pet peeve about your teammate: His frequent use of puns.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? I'd give my parents the retirement years they deserve.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: We need to leave less up to luck and stay with the pack.

Ron & Christina
Name (Age): Ronald Hsu (61)
Hometown: Tacoma, Wash.
Connection to your Teammate: Father
Current Occupation: Vice President
Previous Season/Result: Season 12/2nd place

Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: Not being uplifting.
Most memorable moment from your first Race: In Croatia when we conquered our fear of heights and came in first.
Favorite place you visited on your first season: Croatia because it was so beautiful along the Adriatic Sea. I want to have a second honeymoon with my wife there.
Why do you want to run the Race again? When else do you have an opportunity to travel around the world like this?
How have you changed since the last time you competed? I've gotten grayer and wiser.
What are you passionate about? My family.
People would be surprised to learn: I make the most delicious and nutritious smoothies.
One location that you hope to go on this adventure: St. Petersburg, Russia --for its great Hermitage museum
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: I had back surgery last year so I cannot run as fast as the younger racers. It may be a struggle to keep up with them.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race again (other than winning one million dollars): I hope to have a great time with my daughter before she gets married.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Her navigation skills are shaky.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? Retire. I also want to write a book about my parents walking on foot over 800 miles in the winter of 1947 to escape from the civil war in Northern China.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: I will be more uplifting to my teammate.

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Name (Age): Christina Hsu (29)
Hometown: Wash., D.C.
Connection to your Teammate: Daughter
Current Occupation: Consultant
Previous Season/Result: Season 12/2nd place

Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: Not taking a deep breath at the final Road Block in Alaska.
Most memorable moment from your first Race: Milking a camel in Burkina Faso and drinking the camel's milk.
Favorite place you visited on your first season: I'll never forget zip lining 200 feet into the Adriatic Sea in Croatia.
Why do you want to run the Race again? It's a second-in-a-lifetime chance to see the world!
How have you changed since the last time you competed? I've gained a lot more perspective on what is important in life and became happier.
What are you passionate about? Family, friends and contributing to the local community
People would be surprised to learn: I completed my first triathlon last year.
One location that you hope to go on this adventure: Machu Picchu in Peru because that is where my fiance and I would like to travel.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Completing physically exhaustive tasks while sleep deprived.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race again (other than winning one million dollars): To enjoy the moment with my dad and worry less about the outcome.
Pet peeve about your teammate: My dad snores.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? I want to adopt a Labrador Retriever and buy a house.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: I'm going to relax and keep everything in perspective.

Amanda & Kris
Name (Age): Amanda Blackledge (25)
Hometown: Redwood City, Calif. but currently residing in Pismo Beach, Calif.
Connection to your Teammate: Fiance
Current Occupation: College Admissions at a private college in Pismo Beach, Laurus College
Previous Season/Result: Season 14/8th place

Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: We were naive and trusted too many other teams. We forgot that we were racing for one million dollars.
Most memorable moment from your first Race: The cheese hill! The task to carry cheese down the hill in Switzerland that was covered in animal poop was one of the most challenging tasks. It was funny watching it on TV and seeing how funny we all looked. The hill was far steeper than it looked on TV.
Favorite place you visited on your first season: Switzerland! It was the most beautiful place I have ever seen.
Why do you want to run the Race again? Kris and I want a second chance. We were doing so well until the woodpile in Krasnoyarsk, Russia. We fell behind and then were u-turned, which we were unable to recover from.
How have you changed since the last time you competed? Our relationship has grown stronger since the last Race. We proved not only to ourselves, but to the world that we balance each other out and make for a great team.
What are you passionate about? My fiance, my family, my pets and my friends.
People would be surprised to learn: As soon as I graduated from college, I moved in with Kris in Pismo Beach and I missed my graduation ceremony.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: It might sound funny since Kris and I both have a B.A. in Communications, but we tend to struggle with communicating with one another in tense situations.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race again (other than winning one million dollars): I hope to travel to as many different places as possible and see the world with my new fiance.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Sometimes he second guesses my judgment. He needs to remember we are both natural leaders and I have much to bring to the table as well.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? Purchase our first house together and I am sure some of the money would also go towards our wedding.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: Not trusting anyone, yet willing to make "alliances" to get ahead.

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Name (Age): Kris Klicka (27)
Hometown: San Diego, Calif. but currently residing in Pismo Beach, Calif.
Connection to your Teammate: Fiance
Current Occupation: Insurance Agent
Previous Season/Result: Season 14/8th place

Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: Amanda and I are social people and last time around we put too much trust in teams we thought were friends. This is a Race for one million dollars and this time around, we are not going to hold back for anything.
Most memorable moment from your first Race: It is hard to pick just one, but if I have to, I would say when I got to drive on the Autobahn in Germany. That was definitely on my bucket list.
Favorite place you visited on your first season: Probably Switzerland. All the old architecture and cobble stone streets seemed like something out of a book.
Why do you want to run the Race again? Since we got u-turned in Siberia and eliminated as a result of not being able to recover from it, I constantly think about what would have happened and how far we would have gone if we weren't u-turned. I know we can win this!
How have you changed since the last time you competed? I am now engaged!
People would be surprised to learn: I had a hard time finding a job in San Diego after getting back from our first time on the Race. I ended up taking a job offer in central California and leaving behind all my friends and family. It was a hard move to make to say the least.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: We are both strong-minded, natural leaders and both like to be in control. This time around I need to not second guess things she says as much and hand over the reigns.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race again (other than winning one million dollars): I want to experience new cultures and places with the one person that means more to me than anything to me.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Amanda doesn't like to be wrong and sometimes it is very hard to get through to her.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? I would put some of it towards a house, some for our wedding and invest whatever is left over.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: I will not trust a soul, but try to be very discrete about it. This time around, I want to fly under the radar to not put targets on our backs, but at the same time, do whatever it takes to get ahead. We are not going to hold back for anything or anyone.

Zev & Justin
Name (Age): Zev Glassenberg (28)
Hometown: Sherman Oaks, Calif.
Connection to your Teammate: Best Friend
Current Occupation: Actor
Previous Season/Result: Season 15/9th place

Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: We lost my passport.
Most memorable moment from your first Race: Unfortunately, losing the passport.
Favorite place you visited on your first season: Probably Cambodia.
Why do you want to run the Race again? To win!
How have you changed since the last time you competed? I am a year older -- and I have impacted a lot of little boys and girls in the autism community.
What are you passionate about? Acting and I love the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team.
People would be surprised to learn: I love to read.
One location that you hope to go on this adventure: Afghanistan or Chernobyl because I heard it's really nice there this time of year.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Not losing our passports.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race again (other than winning one million dollars): To go farther. Plus, I want to have fun and create more memories.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He loses things and needs to stay calmer.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? Move out of my current living situation and find some new roommates. I also would get my eyes fixed.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: Yeah, not lose a passport!

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Name (Age): Justin Kanew (31)
Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.
Connection to your Teammate: Best friend
Current Occupation: Film Producer, National Lampoon
Previous Season/Result: Season 15/9th place. We were disqualified after losing our passport.

Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: Can't think of one.
Most memorable moment from your first Race: Zev whispering to the Ducks.
Favorite place you visited on your first season: Asia because we never left! Phu Qhoc, Vietnam specifically.
Why do you want to run the Race again? Because it is the greatest experience ever. I can't believe we're getting a second chance.
How have you changed since the last time you competed? I'm slightly more responsible. Slightly.
What are you passionate about? Love and Twitter.
People would be surprised to learn: My father directed Troop Beverly Hills and Revenge of the Nerds.
One location that you hope to go on this adventure: South America because I have never been.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Taking care of our things. Mostly that's my problem, but yeah.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race again (other than winning one million dollars): Making it out of Asia this time and getting a shot at redemption.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Zev's a little too ambitious for my liking.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? Travel. No wait, I would stay put, buy a few important people nice things and sleep a little easier.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: Staple our passports to my chest and pack lighter.

Kent & Vyxsin
Name (Age): Kent Kaliber (35)
Hometown: Louisville, Ky., currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif.
Connection to your Teammate: Boyfriend
Current Occupation: Print and Runway Model
Previous Season/Result: Season 12/5th place

Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: My biggest mistake in our previous season was completely burning out the clutch of our car in Italy.
Most memorable moment from your first Race: Arriving at the magical masquerade village in Vilnius, Lithuania. Everyone there was dressed head to toe in mystical costumes. The costumes, the creativity and the decadence reminded me of the Sci-Fi and Comic-Con conventions that Vyxsin and I love to attend every year.
Favorite place you visited on your first season: India, I loved the frenetic energy and cascade of color in every direction. The kaleidoscopic fashion was surreal and the beautiful Indian belly dancers kept my spirits high.
Why do you want to run the Race again? I lost my dad very suddenly and unexpectedly this year. I want to run the Race as a tribute to him. A victory in this race will give my family some much needed good news.
How have you changed since the last time you competed? Vyxsin and I moved to L.A. and started modeling for our favorite designers.
People would be surprised to learn: Believe it or not, I'm NOT much of an outdoorsman. Before our first season, I had never been camping. It is very difficult to apply eyeliner in a tent. I don't have much interest in "roughing it" so to speak.
One location that you hope to go on this adventure: I hope to go to the most smoldering and humid Amazon Rainforest because Vyxsin in a pink and black bikini for an entire leg would be great motivation.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race again (other than winning one million dollars): I want to inspire our families. It's been a difficult year and this Race could be the much-needed healing that Vyxsin and I need.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Housekeeping is not one of Vyxsin's talents. Her house is a disorganized melting pot of garters, glitter and glam rock. I shudder to think about what the inside of her backpack will look like. There is no way I am letting her anywhere near our race fanny pack and passports!
What would you do if you won the million dollars? Go on a vacation!
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: We are prepared physically but we need to work on getting our head in the game. We are going to focus more mentally.

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Name (Age): Vyxsin Fiala (32)
Hometown: Louisville, Ky., but currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif.
Connection to your Teammate: Girlfriend
Current Occupation: Print and Runway Model
Previous Season/Result: Season 12/5th place

Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: I should have helped Kent get better prepared for stick-shift driving. He burnt the clutch in our vehicle in Italy, which turned out to be a one-way ticket to last place.
Most memorable moment from your first Race: Watching Kent pole vault into a muddy irrigation ditch in Amsterdam. He does not enjoy getting dirty! He looked like a miserable wet kitten as he crawled out of that ditch in his ruined outfit.
Favorite place you visited on your first season: Burkina Faso, Africa, the people were so kind and warm from the moment we stepped off the plane.
Why do you want to run the Race again? We have suffered the loss of a loved one since our first race. We need an uplifting experience at this point in our lives.
How have you changed since the last time you competed? Our experience on THE AMAZING RACE has opened so many doors for us! We have moved to Los Angeles to pursue our love of fashion, club life and new adventures.
What are you passionate about? Dancing, my teammate and my family.
People would be surprised to learn: I feel totally at home in the kitchen. I love to cook vegan food.
One location that you hope to go on this adventure: Australia, Kent would look adorable up in a tree cuddling with the koala bears.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Packing! We carry way too much with us. We need to pack lighter.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race again (other than winning one million dollars): We hope to inspire our families and to reconnect with each other after an extremely difficult year.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Kent is always "borrowing" (i.e. stealing) my eye-pencils and powders. I am constantly chasing him away from my make-up bag.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? If I won the million dollars I would take both of our families on a long vacation.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: We are going to try to form alliances with other teams instead of only focusing on ourselves. Working together with another team or two could propel us all to the final three.

LaKisha & Jen
Name (Age): LaKisha Hoffman (30)
Hometown: Chicago, Ill. but currently residing in the Bronx, N. Y.
Connection to your Teammate: Sister
Current Occupation: Basketball Coach
Previous Season/Result: Season 14/4th place

Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: Leaving our bags at the dock.
Most memorable moment from your first Race: EVERY moment! But, seeing my sister overcome her fear and complete the swimming challenge was great.
Favorite place you visited on your first season: Thailand, it was very beautiful and the scenery was so peaceful.
Why do you want to run the Race again? We want another chance to prove that we have what it takes to win!
How have you changed since the last time you competed? Having experienced as much as we did during our last race, it has given me a greater appreciation for life.
What are you passionate about? Life, God, children, sports, academic enrichment and social justice - anything to better the lives of underserved children and families.
People would be surprised to learn: I added this to my bucket list just so I could check it off.
One location that you hope to go on this adventure: Surprise me!
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: I guess we will find this out.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race again (other than winning one million dollars): I hope to create many more exciting memories.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Her rudeness.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? I will pay off all my debts!
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: We will work smarter and harder.

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Name (Age): Jennifer Hoffman (26)
Hometown: Chicago, Ill. but residing in Louisville, Ky.
Connection to your Teammate: Sister
Current Occupation: Assistant Volleyball Coach at the University of Louisville
Previous Season/Result: Season 14/4th place

Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: I didn't communicate some of my ideas with certainty in the previous race and I didn't communicate enough with the other Racers.
Most memorable moment from your first Race: Knowing that the entire race brought a clearer understanding of who my sister is and her mood. Also, visiting Thailand and the Phuket Zoo was very memorable.
Favorite place you visited on your first season: It's a toss up between Thailand and India. The people seemed so free and happy with what they had.
Why do you want to run the Race again? I want redemption, I want to win and I want to see more areas of the world I wouldn't get to see otherwise.
How have you changed since the last time you competed? I've slowed down and instead of just doing and thinking later, I think more strategically.
What are you passionate about? I'm passionate about motivating and pushing people to accomplish things they think they can't. That's why I love coaching.
People would be surprised to learn: My guilty pleasure is all the Housewives shows on Bravo!
One location that you hope to go on this adventure: I would love to visit Brazil because I've never been there.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: I think we've gotten over our communication issues and I now know what bothers her. But, I believe we'll still battle with certain issues and her mood swings.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Her nervous giggle and mood swings.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? I'd go back to school for fashion design and open my own business.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: We will communicate more with other contestants and not be so isolated.