Ok, maybe this is just my own (lame-ish) attempt at getting on the show, but this article has inspired me a bit. Maybe the producers of The Amazing Race should sponsor a "Minor Leagues" of sorts for getting on their show.  They could do a bunch of smaller regional races that the local tourism councils could help put together, the local television stations could help film, edit, produce and broadcast it. Then they could consider that the "Auditions" for the main show.  Pick several of the contestants from the regional shows and put them on the main show. The best part is that the local tourism councils could take some of the footage and use it for their Advertising, etc.  They would also get a bunch of exposure as they run an American Idol like national lead up show that features each of the regional races in a few of the different locations and such. See it's brilliant (OK, maybe only in my own little mind).