How would you describe your previous travel experience? Derek: My travel experience has been fairly extensive. I have lived in Italy, Germany and England. I have also lived in New York, Chicago, Miami and Los Angeles. Drew: I have traveled extensively inside the U.S. I have lived and worked in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, and have driven everywhere in between. However, I haven't traveled internationally in seven years, and have only been to Europe.
What is the most stressful aspect of traveling? Derek: The most stressful aspect of traveling would be hygiene. I just hope to maintain a reasonable level of cleanliness and odor while on the Race. Otherwise, it is almost impossible for people to deal with you. Drew: Trying to smuggle on oversized carry-on baggage.
What is the most important item in your backpack, and why? Derek: The most important item in my backpack would have to be either deodorant or clean underwear (for reasons stated in my previous answer). Drew: It's a tossup between toothpaste, toothbrush, or dental floss. It's nearly impossible to communicate effectively with bad breath.
Why did you want to be on THE AMAZING RACE? Derek: I'm at a bit of a crossroads in my life, and this seems like an excellent way to discover new things about myself and what I am capable of. I also just got married, and this is probably the only time the rest of my life that I will get to spend this much time with my brother. Drew: I love the show, and I couldn't come up with a better excuse to spend this much quality time with my brother away from his wife after only two months of marriage. We haven't had a chance like this since he met his wife.
Have you and your partner traveled together before? If so, what was it like? Derek: Yes, a lot, and it has always been fun and relatively stress-free. However, we have never raced anywhere, and we are both very competitive, so I expect it will be very different on the show. Drew: Yes, we've traveled a lot together. It has almost always been very easy and fun. We haven't physically fought on a trip since the back seat of my parents' Buick in 1981.
What do you fear most about competing in THE AMAZING RACE? Derek: That somehow I am portrayed as someone other than the fun-loving, playful and intelligent male model that I am. Drew: The thing I fear most about competing in the Race is actually watching the Race. I hate the thought of watching myself on TV.
What strengths and weaknesses do you bring to the Team? Derek: My strengths are my ability to manage stress, both my own and my brother's, and my competitive spirit. My weaknesses are that I think I know everything and I don't trust anyone. Drew: My strengths would have to be my physical endurance and intuitiveness. My weaknesses are my ability to manage stress (yoga is something I used to do) and my inability to ask for help.
What strengths and weaknesses does your teammate bring to the Team? Derek: My brother's strengths are his intelligence and his competitiveness: he does not lose. My brother's weaknesses are his ability to manage stress, and beautiful girls. Drew: Derek's strength is his level-headedness. He can be positive in any situation, and is always the voice of reason.
What will you miss the most from home (besides your bed)? Derek: My wife. We have only been married a couple of months, so it was very hard to leave her to go on the Race. Drew: NASCAR.
What languages do you speak? Derek: English. Un poquito Espaņol. Drew: English and Spanish (un poquito).
What destination are you hoping to visit? Derek: Africa, Kenya or Tanzania. Drew: Africa, mostly Kenya and Tanzania. I would love to see the Serengetti.
What country do you feel best prepared for? Derek: England or Germany. Drew: Italy, only because I lived there one summer (seven years ago).
