Teams » Season 3

Derek & Drew
Twin Brothers
Age: 32
Occupation: Modeling & Acting
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Birthday: August 30
Derek and Drew can't recall the last time they got into a physical fight with each other. Except maybe that time in 1981, when they had it out in the back of their parents' Buick. The pair is originally from Chicago, but currently live in Los Angeles.

After graduating from the University of Illinois, Derek and Drew pursued careers in modeling and acting, and have appeared in commercials for Revlon and hosted shows on VH1 and E! While Drew is currently a photographer, Derek hopes to pursue his dream of becoming "the next Michael J. Fox."

Drew is still a bachelor, but Derek was married this past June. As a result, they haven't seen each other much lately, and Drew is hoping that this experience will give them the chance to reconnect. "I couldn't come up with a better excuse to spend this much quality time with my brother," joked Drew.

Derek and Drew believe that the most important element to getting ahead in the Race is cleanliness. Drew is making sure he packs his toothpaste, toothbrush and dental floss, and says, "It's nearly impossible to communicate effectively with bad breath." Derek reveals that he won't leave home without his deodorant. "I just hope to maintain a reasonable level of cleanliness and odor while on the race. Otherwise, it's almost impossible for people to deal with you," he says.

They may not be the Doublemint twins, but Derek and Drew will definitely be looking and smelling their best during their latest adventure. They're convinced that their strength, endurance and level-headedness will help them cross the finish line ahead of the pack.

Dennis & Andrew
Father & Son
Age: Dennis (48) & Andrew (21)
Occupation: Dennis (Manages a family entertainment center) & Andrew (Student & Cheerleader at Eastern Kentucky University)
Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky
Birthday: Dennis (January 14) & Andrew (June 15)
Andrew is a liberal and openly gay. His father Dennis, is a conservative Southern Baptist.

Dennis says he decided to apply for THE AMAZING RACE so he could spend some quality time with his son. "I would love to travel with Andrew outside the country before he moves on and starts his own life," said Dennis.

Andrew says his primary motivation was to see the world. "The thrill of traveling to places unknown to me seems very intriguing," said Andrew. "My second motivation would be to give Kentuckians someone to root for!"

Both Dennis and Andrew are concerned about keeping clean on the road. Andrew says the most important item in his backpack is his razor, since he hates looking scruffy. Dennis is making sure to pack plenty of soap. "Other than food, sanitation is the key to health. If you are not feeling well, nothing else matters," he says.

The father-and-son Team feel their diversity will prove to be an asset in the Race. While Dennis has experience and wisdom on his side, Andrew's strength, agility and charisma may help lead the Team toward the finish line.

Ken & Gerard
Brothers
Age: Ken (40)
Occupation: Ken (Freelance Casting Director) & Gerard (Financial Consultant)
Hometown: Ken (New York, NY) & Gerard (New Jersey)
Birthday: Ken (May 15) & Gerard (November 16)
Ken & Gerard describe themselves as "different in almost every aspect of their lives...married vs. single, conservative vs. liberal, straight vs. gay," but they share a similar sense of humor and love of laughter. Of eight siblings growing up, they provided the comic relief to their family...and still do. Despite their dramatic differences, Ken and Gerard enjoy spending time together. Some of their favorite activities are eating, laughing, walking around New York City and talking politics. Now that they don't live in the same city anymore, they are looking forward to spending an extended period of time together. After receiving his Masters degree at Columbia University, Gerard became a youth director on the Lower Eastside. During that period, he is extremely proud of having put together successful programs for over 1,500 immigrant youths. Gerard currently resides in New Jersey, and is an accomplished financial advisor with a major firm. One of Ken's greatest accomplishments was going out on his own as a freelance casting director five years ago. He is also extremely proud of joining Gotham Volleyball, a gay volleyball league. This was one of the first times Ken felt that his homosexuality didn't interfere with him playing sports and being part of a team. Ken wants to go on this adventure to fulfill some of his short-term goals, face his fears and live his life. Gerard is happily married ten years to his wife Jennifer and is the father of twins.

Andre & Damon
Cop & Fireman Friends
Age: Andre (32) & Damon (33)
Occupation: Andre (Police Officer) & Damon (Firefighter)
Hometown: Los Angeles
Andre and Damon met a decade ago while attending the University of Maryland. When Damon transferred to another university, the two lost touch for several years. Ironically, they were reunited in Los Angeles when they both stopped for the same traffic light.

Both Andre and Damon have jobs that put them in challenging situations. Andre is a police officer and Damon is a firefighter. They're used to dealing with all kinds of people, making quick decisions and working fast. Damon says that he and Andre decided to apply for THE AMAZING RACE for two reasons. First, "The opportunity to compete in a forum that is challenging physically and mentally." And second, "The cash...cha-ching!!!"

Damon says that his greatest asset on the trip is his brain. "The most important item I am carrying is not in my backpack. It is underneath my hat. I am pretty smart and resourceful," he says. Andre feels his strength is his ability to read the other teams and understand the game.

Together, this pair of friends have traveled extensively. While stationed in the military, Damon served in the Marine Corps and Andre was in the United States Air Force. Both are self-confident, physically fit and work incredibly well under pressure. Plus, whenever necessary, Damon can be a manipulative schemer, while Andre is a playful joker. Together, the two are a formidable Team who plan to give their fellow racers a run for the money.

Andre is married and lives in Los Angeles (he is originally from Baltimore, Maryland). Damon, who also lives in Los Angeles, is married with two children.

Michael & Kathy
Long Distance Dating
Hometown: Michael (San Diego, CA) & Kathy (Birmingham, MI)
Birthday: Michael (May 30) & Kathy (December 4)
Michael and Kathy met a year and a half ago in Cancun, Mexico. They have kept in touch and maintained a long-distance dating relationship; however, they have never spent more than five days together at a time. Their primary motivation for going on the Race is to see how compatible they are as a couple.

What struck Kathy about Michael were the provocative questions he asked her on their last night in Cancun, when they spent 12 hours together talking and getting to know one another. This was enough to prove to Kathy that Michael is a genuine person worthy of maintaining a long-distance friendship.

Kathy and Michael are polar opposites. Kathy is more high-strung under pressure and Michael is very laid back. Michael describes himself as unconventional, amusing and dark, while Kathy describes herself as moody, caring and oversensitive. They both agree that their different personalities complement each other well.

Michael has done quite a bit of traveling throughout Mexico, England, France, Holland, Spain and Canada, while Kathy has been to Mexico, the Philippines and Canada. The most important item in his backpack is his CD player, because he feels that music will change any mood into a good one. Her most valuable item is her journal.

After the race they got married and have a son.

Tramel & Talicia
Brother and Sister
Age: Tramel (22) & Talicia (29)
Occupation: Tramel (Student at Indiana University) & Talicia (Assistant to a Sports Agent)
Hometown: Tramel (Gary, Indiana) & Talicia (Los Angeles, CA)
Birthday: Tramel (December 3) & Talicia (November 1)
Tramel and Talicia have a close relationship, but like any other siblings, they have disagreements. Since they don't see each other everyday, they are excited to be able to spend more time together and compete for $1 million.

This competitive brother and sister Team describe themselves as "the male/female counterpart of the same person, we are so alike. We like the same things, eat the same food, share the same thoughts and make the same mistakes." They believe that with Tramel's intuition and Talicia's street smarts they will be able to win.

Since they're seven years apart in age, they have also lived very different lives. Talicia has fought and struggled through everything, while Tramel has coasted through life on his wits and charms. He scored a 1300 on his S.A.T. without any preparation, while she got 1100 and stayed up many long nights studying. Talicia feels that Tramel takes the easy way out of things and hopes that the Race will give her brother a taste of the real world.

Talicia's most valuable item in her backpack is her noise-reducing headsets, which "will drown out the nonsense of the world," while Tramel's is a picture of his family and, of course, his clothes.

Flo & Zach
Friends
Age: 23
Occupation: Flo (Public Relations Associate) & Zach (Production Assistant)
Hometown: New York, NY
Birthday: Flo (January 17) & Zach (June 29)
Flo and Zach have been good friends ever since they met five years ago in a cafeteria at Vassar College. While wearing a funny hat and a camouflage suit, Zach instantly caught Flo's eye. Although Flo and Zach have shared a mutual attraction for each other over the years, they've never pursued a romantic relationship.

One of their most memorable times together was when they were both bartending in college. Says Flo, "We would go crazy making drinks for the whole bar, trying to be Tom Cruise in Cocktail. It was so fun to be silly with someone while working." Ironically, one of the worst experiences they've ever had took place while they were working together. When a young girl became extremely ill from drinking too much, Flo and Zach had to rush her to the hospital. "We had to deal with the EMS and it was a really scary situation," says Zach, who adds, "It was reassuring to go through it with Flo."

Although Flo and Zach are seasoned travelers, the couple has only shared one 24-hour trip together. This Team is convinced, however, that they have what it takes to come out on top. According to Zach, "I am the logistics man. I'm good with directions, roughing it and keeping a cool head. Flo is very good at keeping things fun. She's also great at getting people to do things they might not otherwise do." Flo and Zach are looking forward to seeing some great places during the Race, and hope the experience will bring them even closer together.

Teri & Ian
Married Parents
Age: Teri (49) & Ian (50)
Occupation: Teri (Homemaker) & Ian (Retired Police Commander & Private Investigator)
Hometown: Palm City, FL
Birthday: Teri (December 31) & Ian (February 5)
Teri and Ian have been married for 21 years. They met more than 22 years ago when Ian's mom played matchmaker and set them up on a date. As soon as they met, Teri and Ian instantly hit it off and were married a year later.

Both have done quite a bit of traveling over the years and have experienced their share of adventure and frustration on the road. One time in particular, the two were separated while vacationing in Bangkok. As Ian spent the day worrying about his wife's whereabouts, Teri went sightseeing and thoroughly enjoyed herself. Needless to say, Ian was not too happy when they were finally reunited at the end of the day. Says Teri, "He should have had enough faith in me to know that I could take care of myself!" On another vacation in Belize, Ian recalls how Teri saved his life. While scuba diving, Ian became disoriented and Teri saved him from ascending too quickly. Thankfully, Teri was right by his side. "She was totally there when I needed her," he says.

As they prepare to take on this latest challenge, Teri and Ian are hoping to set a good example for their two sons, Brandon, age 10 and Seth, age 16, and Ian's son, Eric, age 24, and are looking forward to adventure, competition, fun and winning the million dollar grand prize!

Gina & Sylvia
Soccer Moms
Age: 30-something
Occupation: At-home Moms
Hometown: Hilton Head Island, SC
Birthday: Gina (September 23) & Sylvia (January 17)
Gina and Sylvia are constantly on the go. Whether it's changing diapers, helping with homework or cheering on a little one at a soccer game, the pair have been busily taking care of their families and haven't had much time to focus on themselves. While both moms attended the University of South Carolina, they met and became friends at a baby shower. Instead of pursuing careers outside of their home, they both decided to become at-home moms, and they've been close ever since. As Gina and Sylvia experience the joys and frustrations of motherhood, their children, whose ages range from 16 months to 9 years, have already shared many memorable moments together. THE AMAZING RACE gives "Team Soccer Mom" the chance to experience an adventure away from their families before they head back to the chaos of daily life. "Our lives revolve around kids, carpools, diapers, cleaning bathrooms, laundry, etc.," says Gina. "I personally have had very little opportunity to travel. Everything I do on a daily basis is about my family, I want to do this trip for me." Sylvia agrees. "I want to do something for me. I love taking care of my children but it's a job that requires one to devote themselves totally to someone else." She adds, "I'm also doing it for my daughter. I want her to see me do something special. I don't want her to think that all I did was sit at home!" While they're on the road, both Gina and Sylvia have photos of their families with them so they can keep them close to their hearts during the tough days that lie ahead. With their easy-going, Southern nature, they think they have the charm and sensibility to come out on top. Plus, to them, the challenge is nothing compared to being a mom with a hectic family schedule. Sylvia has three children, Charlie, Allison and Henry. Gina is mother of two children, Hunter and Abigil.

Aaron & Arianne
Lifelong Friends
Occupation: Aaron (Pre-school Teacher)
Hometown: Aaron (New York)
Birthday: Aaron (November 22) & Arianne (December 3)
Aaron and Arianne have been friends for 15 years after meeting at the Florida Academy of Dramatic Arts. Aaron thought "she was beautiful, talented and developed a huge crush on her that lasted for years."

They are the best of friends and have traveled through life together: "it's been like a roller coaster--scary, thrilling and so much fun." They have shared many wonderful memories together and hard times as well. The only problem with being more than just friends is that Aaron is gay and Arianne is straight. As Arianne says, her biggest disappointment with Aaron is that "the baby they planned to have together some day will not be naturally conceived."

They both look at this experience as an opportunity to travel the world with their best friend. Aaron describes himself as passionate, loyal and manic, while Arianne describes herself as emotional, exotic and impulsive. They feel that they will win because of their physical abilities, agility, urban sensibility and, of course, their sense of humor.

The agree that the most important items in their backpacks are their iPod and wristbands, because as they say "music inspires us and our style inspires others." Aaron and Arianne are fluent in both body language and the international language of love.

Aaron received his B.F.A. from New York University. Arianne attended Northwestern University and received her B.S. in speech.

John Vito & Jill
Dating
Age: John Vito (28) & Jill (24)
Occupation: John Vito (Government Bond Trader) & Jill (Business Consultant with Cap Gemini Ernest and Young)
Hometown: John Vito (Staten Island, NY) & Jill (New York, NY)
Birthday: John Vito (August 3) & Jill (November 13)
John Vito still lives there, but Jill currently resides in Manhattan. They met three years ago after a group of their friends spent many late summer nights hanging out and going to night clubs. They have been romantically involved for almost a year. The tragic events of September 11 personally and deeply affected both John Vito and Jill. Her older brother F.T., who was also John Vito's best friend, was working on the 105th floor of the World Trade Center as a Vice President for Cantor Fitzgerald. Jill had applied for the show's first installment with her brother, and after her devastating loss she decided to reapply in tribute to his memory. "After losing him on 9/11, I felt I should apply for the show again, and this time, who should be a better runner up than his best friend?" Their motto is to live life to the fullest, and as John Vito says, "the opportunity of traveling the world with Jill is the greatest reward." Jill describes herself as spontaneous, intelligent and sensitive, while John Vito describes himself as detail-oriented, decisive and organized. They both love physical activities and spending time with their family and friends. Jill is most looking forward to leaving behind the day-to-day routines of life, her cell phone and email. John Vito is excited to learn about different cultures and people. They feel that their combination of wits and brawn will help land them the coveted prize of $1 million. They broke up before the first All-Stars.