Valley race-car driver turned real-estate broker Arie Luyendyk Jr. is making a return to the TV reality dating scene, starring as ABC’s “The Bachelor.”

Luyendyk hails from Scottsdale, so we can expect to see clips of the Valley throughout the season, he said in a news conference Thursday.

Luyendyk said he knew what he was looking for in the search for Mrs. Right:

“I wanted someone who was ready for marriage, had somewhat of a past and knew what they wanted in a partner,” he said. “Someone who had their own independence and who I can also root for in their career in their life, just as they root for me.”

Growing up in Scottsdale

Luyendyk, who was born in the Netherlands, said he and his family moved to Scottsdale when he was 9. 

The 36-year-old said his family would travel to the Valley frequently for his father’s racing career. Luyendyk Sr. is a two-time Indy 500 champion and was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2014.

“We moved there because Indy Car used to do all their winter testing,” he said. “We loved (Scottsdale) so much, so we moved here.”

Following in his father’s footsteps, Luyendyk competed for eight seasons from 2002 and 2010 in the Indy Lights Series and competed in the 2006 Indy 500, finishing 28th. 

Leaving racing behind, Luyendyk now works as a real-estate broker in Scottsdale, cashing in more than $13 million in sales this year, he said.

MORE: 7 Scottsdale date spots ‘Bachelor’ Arie Luyendyk Jr. could visit

While he calls Scottsdale home for now, he said he is open to relocating.

“I think the great thing about real estate is that you can do it anywhere,” Luyendyk said. “I am open to moving to another place and doing that same career elsewhere.”

When not filming for “The Bachelor”, Luyendyk said he loves exploring the Arcadia area. His favorite dining spots include The Mission and La Grande Orange.

Did he propose?

“You’ll have to watch,” Luyendyk Jr. laughed.

But, he added, he did find love. In fact, Luyendyk Jr. said he fell in love with two people throughout the season.

This isn’t Luyendyk Jr.’s first appearance on “The Bachelor” franchise. He competed on Emily Maynard’s season of “The Bachelorette” in 2012, made it to the top two and left brokenhearted in the final episode.

MORE: Scottsdale’s Arie Luyendyk Jr. named new ‘Bachelor’

Luyendyk said he did have some fears going into this new season, but said he learned from his experience with Maynard and set some early boundaries.

“Chemistry can take a hold of a relationship pretty quickly, so I just tried not to lead with chemistry,” he said.

“I really tried to envision how that person would fit in my regular life and if I could fit in their life,” he said.

Could age play a role?

Of the 29 women vying for his heart, only six are in their 30s. The youngest listed is 23, while one women chose not to disclose her age.

“Some women are far beyond their years, and some women are very immature in their 30s, so I think it just depends on the person,” he said.

But Luyendyk clarified: Age isn’t a factor in his final decision. He’s looking for someone who is ready to take the next step.

“It’s more about the person, and if they’re ready for marriage,” he said. “I’m in a place in my life where I’m ready to settle down and start a family.”

Addressing misconduct, safety

Several Hollywood power players have been accused of sexual assault or harassment in recent months, putting the entertainment industry on edge.

An investigation marred season 4 of “Bachelors in Paradise” in August after a producer filed a complaint to Warner Bros. alleging sexual misconduct on set.

RELATED: ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ finds no misconduct on set, resumes production

After reviewing the tapes, however, Warner Bros. disputes some reports that “the safety of any cast member was ever in jeopardy.”

Luyendyk said he wasn’t aware of any policy changes affecting his season but did notice a significant decrease in alcohol consumption of the contestants.

Season 22 of “The Bachelor” is set to start on Jan. 1, 2018.

READ MORE:

Learn more about ‘Bachelor’ Arie Luyendyk

ABC: ‘Hearts will race’ for Scottsdale bachelor Arie Luyendk

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