Four local dads win big in Madison's quirky chariot race

A crowd of more than 3,000 spectators gathered on Langdon Street last Sunday to watch a field of 24 teams compete for the top prize. The event, which concluded on Oct. 17, was won by a team of four Madison men who met through a church group. They took home a $1,500 cash prize and 60 cases of Red Bull after beating out their rivals in a series of head to head matchups.

The winning group, known as Fast and Fatherly, stood out from the rest of the field because none of its members were college students. Three of the four are new fathers, while the fourth describes himself as a hopefully soon to be dad. Their vehicle was built to resemble a baby crib and was decorated with their children's toys, reflecting their family focus. Sam Peterson, a member of the team, wore a baby carrier holding a doll during the race and noted that the experience was harder than he had anticipated. His teammate Micah Palmer, who dressed as a baby, expressed the hope that their children would learn that one can humiliate themselves and still have a good time. The three fathers stated they intend to use the winnings for a family vacation.

The competition format required the 24 teams to be paired into 12 head to head races that started outside Memorial Union. Racers had to solve a Red Bull Puzzle at the Lake Street turnaround, switch positions, and then race back to the finish line. Beyond speed, the teams were evaluated on the construction of their chariots, their creativity, and a skit performed before the start. Red Bull provided each entry with $200 to help cover building costs. The event brought together University of Wisconsin Madison students and local community members for the afternoon festivities.

The team named The Eagle Has Landed placed second after performing a patriotic skit that featured a choreographed lift. Senior Joe Jaroski, who dressed as Uncle Sam, said he spent hours preparing that move with fellow senior Erin Kelly. Teammate Matt Kleist described the race as a memorable experience for their senior year. Grouchiator Maximus finished in third place, edging out Minion Mayos, which had about 30 supporters dressed as Minions cheering from the sidelines. The two runners up also received unique Red Bull sponsored events as a reward for their placement.

Judging for the event was handled by three individuals, including Aaron Colton, a professional motorcycle stunt performer and Red Bull athlete. Colton noted that creativity accounted for more than half of the scoring criteria. He observed that some teams assembled their carts that same morning while others had worked on them for weeks. He also identified the puzzle as the great equalizer in the competition. The other judges were Kayla Ruedebusch, a Madison based creator and foil athlete, and Jay Wanserski, the owner of Wando's and Jay's Bar. Ruedebusch emphasized that the show and creative elements distinguished this race from similar events held elsewhere.

Madison served as the fifth stop on Red Bull's nine stop chariot race tour, which primarily visits college towns. The event was hosted by Jada Cerniglia, a UW Madison volleyball alumna, and Milwaukee comedian Tommy Violet. Both were hosting a Red Bull event for the first time, while Colton had previously judged the race in two other locations. Some participants were new to the competition, such as Team Super Badgers, an all freshman entry. Teammate Brennan Schumann said a friend filled out their application and told them the next day that they had been selected.

The audience included friends and family of competitors, prospective students visiting the campus, and long time Madison residents. Tohnie, a UW Madison alum who once lived on Langdon Street, expressed his affection for returning to what he called his home away from home.