St. Louis Father-Son Duo Competes on The Amazing Race Season 37

ST. LOUIS, MO — Jeff Bailey Jr. and his father Jeff “Pops” Bailey are bringing their lumberjack skills to the latest season of CBS‘ “The Amazing Race,” which premiered on March 5, 2025. The father-son duo hopes to capture the million-dollar prize as they travel across the globe, competing against 13 other teams.

Bailey Jr., 36, became a fan of the show during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, dreaming of what it would be like to race around the world. When he learned that production was resuming, he excitedly recruited his father to join him. “I love to travel. Pops and I go on trips, and we bring the whole family,” Bailey Jr. said. “I had to tell Pops, ‘We’re doing this.’”

Both Baileys are experienced lumberjacks, each running their own arborist business. This professional background has equipped them with the skills necessary to navigate high-pressure situations, a crucial advantage for the challenges on the race. “The most important things I can remember were his hustle and his grind,” Bailey Jr. shared about his father, emphasizing the life lessons learned from working alongside Pops.

Despite the presence of cameras, Pops, 64, focused on enjoying the experience with his son. He said, “I was game immediately. I didn’t pay attention to the cameras. I was just so focused on what we were doing.” Their family and friends were supportive, believing their competitive nature would serve them well in the race. “They were just rooting for us,” Pops said.

Before competing, the Baileys participated in extensive training, adapting their lumberjack skills to the demands of the race. Bailey Jr. commented, “The social side of it is very important — it’s not just about doing challenges and getting from place to place,” emphasizing that making connections with other contestants is also key.

This season’s competition includes a new twist called the “Fork in the Road,” which will challenge contestants early in the race. Teams must make strategic choices that could lead to their elimination. The duo is anticipating the unique challenges that will come from visiting diverse locations, including Hong Kong, Japan, and Dubai.

Previous St. Louis contestants, such as Dr. Maya Warren, have successfully won the race, adding to the local excitement surrounding the Baileys. Pops expressed pride in their opportunity, stating, “I’m just excited for our family to watch it. I’m proud of our actions.” Meanwhile, Bailey Jr. remarked, “One thing I think you’ll be able to see is we had fun with it. And we’re just a father and son that wanted to take this experience in.”

The Amazing Race’s 37th season promises to be filled with twists and unexpected elements, with the Baileys contributing their unique father-son dynamic to the competition. As they compete alongside teams from various backgrounds, viewers can expect both exhilarating challenges and heartfelt moments.