INTERVIEW: 'Amazing Race' 16 team Michael and Louie say race was made for detectives

"The Amazing Race" 16 team Michael Naylor and Louie Stravato say the race was made for detectives like them. The Providence, R.I. natives say their jobs mirror the reality show competition because they never know what they are going to be doing or where they are going to be going when they arrive at work in the morning. This could be a huge advantage for the team, who can be seen starting the race with 10 other teams when the show premieres tomorrow, Sunday, Feb. 14.
"The Amazing Race" wasn't the first choice of reality show competitions for the men. In fact, Louie has always wanted to be on CBS' "Survivor." Over a year ago he made it through a couple of steps in the interview process, but things just didn't work out. Then, "The Amazing Race" came knocking, and Louie jumped at the chance of a lifetime. He doesn't regret a moment of that decision.
"'The Amazing Race' was, for lack of a better word, amazing with capital letters across the board," Louie said in an interview February 9, 2010.
Michael became involved in the show after Louie asked him to be his partner, and Michael said he thought the whole thing was a joke because police officers often play jokes on one another.
"I figured either somebody's playing a prank on Louie, or he's playing a prank on me," Michael said in the interview.
While the pair was feeling very confident going in to the race, Michael and Louie admit that they did have some struggles to contend with, mainly dealing with a good cop/bad cop scenario. Louie also added that Michael can be a control freak.
Michael may have gone in to the race only after being asked by Louie, but he went in to it with great intentions. He and Louie both said they ran the race for their families and to prove to their children they can do and be anything in life.
"You can be the guy who wins the lottery. You can be the guy that gets drafted in the NFL. If you do it, and if you get picked, you give 100 percent," Michael said.

Learn more about Michael Naylor and Louie Stravato

Tune in to CBS tomorrow at 8 p.m. (EST) for the season 16 premiere of "The Amazing Race," and check in with The Amazing Race Examiner after the premiere for recaps, highlights and commentary!

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