Name: John Erck
Age: 28
Hometown: Mora, Minn.
Previous Seasons: Season 22
Current occupation: iOS Developer (iPhone and iPad apps)
Describe what you do: I use a software application called Xcode and a language called Objective-C to write iPhone and iPad apps.
Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: Failed to use our Express Pass.
Most memorable moment from your first Race: Racing across crazy, cool-colored water in Bora Bora on a jet ski with Jess on the back, in pursuit of a million dollars. Like, literally looking over and thinking “If we can pass those guys over there, we'll be in first place towards a million dollars!” I figure when James Bond is racing across the ocean, at any moment they might yell, "Cut!" but with the Race, it's for real!
Favorite place you visited on your first season: Bora Bora
Why do you want to run the Race again? There's nothing else like it. Even if you could afford to travel the world and had the time to do it you couldn't really replicate the experience. It's traveling and competing and stepping into the unknown and meeting lots of cool new people along the way and racing for a million dollars with your best friend.
How have you changed since the last time you competed? I'd say probably the main difference is the length of my hair. No, but seriously, I think the main difference is that we know what an Express Pass is.
What are you passionate about? I like to write code, surf, drink coffee and hang out with friends and family.
People would be surprised to learn: That Phil really likes my hair this season.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: Locals
Pet peeve about your teammate: She still leaves a trail of bobby pins wherever she goes.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Western Australia, South Africa or Chile. Waves and wildlife.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? For me, it's more about an adventure with Jess than anything else. The filming of the show, the traveling, etc. is a lot of fun and we want to be a part of that again.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: Yes. We’re just going to take it one leg at a time.

Name: Jessica Hoel
Age: 27
Hometown: Eden Prairie, Minn.
Previous Seasons: Season 22
Current occupation: Sales
Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: Obviously our Express Pass fail! Oy Vey!
Most memorable moment from your first Race: I loved every part of Bora Bora! My favorite memory was paddling to Phil after FINALLY finding our clue in the sand castles. It was such a rush knowing that we were in first place! I couldn't believe it!
Favorite place you visited on your first season: Definitely Bora Bora!
Why do you want to run the Race again? Well, we still have an Express Pass to use... Kidding! There is nothing that even comes close to The Amazing Race. No matter what place you finish in, you have the opportunity to be a part of something so incredible. We went to amazing countries, met new people and had the chance to compete together for $1 million! It really was priceless.
How have you changed since the last time you competed? We are older, hopefully wiser and we are engaged!
What are you passionate about? Running, travel, adventure!
People would be surprised to learn: We are engaged. We are planning our wedding in October and could really use that million!
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: Language barriers, taxi drivers, me getting tunnel vision and dancing/singing challenges.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He talks to me in computer code language.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Anywhere in Africa. We didn't get a chance to go last season and it looked incredible.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? We want to see as many countries as possible. We were eliminated fairly early last time and we missed out on some cool places. Other than that, we just want to enjoy the adventure together and know that we did our best no matter what place we finish in.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: We plan to be more cautious and less competitive. That may sound like a weird plan for a race, but I felt like last time we were always thinking ahead and strategizing for the next challenge. We don't care about getting first on any leg except for the last!

Watch their cast video here!