Interview with Toni and Dallas of The Amazing Race 13

I spoke with Toni and Dallas on Tuesday morning, a few days after we saw their elimination. I wanted to personally thank them both for taking the time to chat, it was a blast and I think there are big things headed Dallas's way someday.

 

Q. Mark, RealityWanted.com: It was great watching you two on The Amazing Race. Start by telling us how you ended up deciding to go on the show?

A.  Toni, The Amazing Race 13: I have been a fan for many seasons and loved the premise of the show. I watched it like everyone else and thought, "I could do that." Then one day I saw an ad for an open casting call and Dallas just happened to be in town and we went in and did it.

A. Dallas, The Amazing Race 13: My mom was certain from day one that we would make it on The Amazing Race, I wasn't so certain but we ended up on the show.

Q. Mark, RealityWanted.com: After the open casting call did someone call you two or what happened next?

A. Dallas, The Amazing Race 13: I have a funny story, I never pick up calls from phone numbers I don't recognize. I received a call one day from a number I didn't know and ended up hanging up on the girl who called. I then got a voicemail, checked it, and realized it was the casting director from CBS.

Q. Mark, RealityWanted.com: That's one way to impress someone in casting, Toni did he tell you about this?

A. Toni, The Amazing Race 13: He didn't tell me about it, but it is something he would do.

Q. Mark, RealityWanted.com: I may sound like a broken record, but I know some people will be reading my interview today for the first time but isn't The Amazing Race more about the relationship with your race partner than it is about travel? I am trying to toss out casting tips to would be racers.

 

A. Toni, The Amazing Race 13: You're right, during the entire process we didn't talk much about travel and the places we stopped. We focused more on our relationship and communication.  As Mom and son we tend to bicker a great deal but viewers at home never saw much of that.

Q. Mark, RealityWanted.com: Why is that?

A. Toni, The Amazing Race 13: We told one another if we wanted to win the race we needed to work together and we also wanted to have fun doing it.

Q. Mark, RealityWanted.com: You both did seem to have fun and get things done at the same time. I think I remember Dallas walking down the street making cow sounds when you had to wear the cow outfit.

A. Dallas, The Amazing Race 13: I went into to it to have fun, I didn't even know there was a million dollar prize at first. There are so many teams who focus on the money only and sacrificed who they are. 

 

Q. Mark, RealityWanted.com: I have seen that happen for 13 seasons. What was the hardest part about being on The Amazing Race?

 

A.  Toni, The Amazing Race 13: I think it's a combination of things. I watched the show before I went on it and said I could do it. 

Q. Mark, RealityWanted.com: Such as?

A.  Toni, The Amazing Race 13: It was a combination of the fast pace, lack of sleep, lack of food and poor cab drivers.

Q. Mark, RealityWanted.com: Dallas what surprised you the most sitting at home watching the show?

A. Dallas, The Amazing Race 13: One thing that didn't surprise me was watching Kelly and Christy bad mouth everyone. I knew they were going to be ignorant but I didn't think they would actually dig in the sand for clues.  

Q. Mark, RealityWanted.com: Mom what about you, can I call you Mom?

A.  Toni, The Amazing Race 13: I loved to watch Dan march, we knew it was going to happen but didn't know how funny it was going to be.

Q. Mark, RealityWanted.com: I was rolling on the floor, I can't wait to chat with Andrew and Dan. So Dallas, everyone wants to know if you and Starr are seeing one another?

A. Dallas, The Amazing Race 13: I am going to New York Friday, so I will see her then. We have been dating for about 6 months so far.

Q. Mark, RealityWanted.com: Mom, what are your thoughts?

A.  Toni, The Amazing Race 13: I will say this, I love Nick and Star and we had a great time running with them. When I got home I emailed their mom right away since they are so special and I feel blessed having had the chance to meet them both.

Q. Mark, RealityWanted.com: Dallas, did you guys get to go enjoy any of the cities nightlife?

A. Dallas, The Amazing Race 13: I did see a bar in Cambodia near the travel agency but my mom didn't want us to waste our money on drinks.

A.  Toni, The Amazing Race 13: Um, Mark you don't want to ask me about the nightlife?

Q. Mark, RealityWanted.com: Of course I do I am an equal opportunity interviewer and wanted to hop back and forth.

Q. Mark, RealityWanted.com: Mom, tell me about the whole lost passport and money fiasco.

A.  Toni, The Amazing Race 13: At first I saw Nick show up, then Tina and Tina told me Dallas wasn't too far behind. Time passed and I started to worry since I knew there was a huge language barrier and it would be hard for Dallas, I just prayed he would have some patience. When he walked in and said I don't have anything I didn't think that's what he meant, but I saw the look on his face and knew he was telling me the truth.

Q. Mark, RealityWanted.com: There are future racers that may be reading this, what tips would you pass along to them?

A. Dallas, The Amazing Race 13: Always stay calm, I think we did a great job at this part. Make sure you pack properly and take what you really need. Nick and Starr brought these cool little packs that they wore under their shirts that held their money and passports close to them at all time. Finally, make sure you have fun.

A.  Toni, The Amazing Race 13: Many people may not know this but I think 80% of your success on The Amazing Race is up to cab driver. We tried as much as possible to try and control this situation, but it's very hard to control.

Q. Mark, RealityWanted.com: Guys this was a blast and we all enjoyed watching you two. Before we let you go what's next for the two of you?

A.  Toni, The Amazing Race 13: We are going back to our normal life but personally I view things a bit differently and don't take things as seriously. I will also hold images from the race I will have forever. Dallas graduates from school in a couple of weeks and he has whole life ahead of him.Maybe this will bring positive things and people into his life.

A. Dallas, The Amazing Race 13: I am excited to graduate in a couple of weeks. I also started a company called Packmydorm.com and working on another venture you can find out more about it at the6trees.com

 

For more Amazing Race Links visit Sirlinksalot.net

 

(Photo courtesy of CBS)