Chariot Race: Four Dads Take Top Prize

Four men from Madison won the Red Bull Chariot Race on Oct. 17, defeating 23 other teams in a competition held on Langdon Street. The group, known as Fast and Fatherly, claimed a $1,500 cash prize and 60 cases of Red Bull. A crowd of more than 3,000 spectators watched the event, which featured students from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and local community members.

The winning team was the only one without college students on the roster. Three members are new fathers, while the fourth described himself as a "hopefully-soon-to-be dad." They built their vehicle to resemble a baby crib and decorated it with children's toys. Sam Peterson, a team member, competed while wearing a baby carrier holding a baby doll. Teammate Micah Palmer dressed as a baby. The fathers said they intend to use the money for a family vacation.

The race format required 24 teams to compete in 12 head-to-head heats. Competitors started near Memorial Union, raced to a turnaround point at Lake Street, and solved a Red Bull Puzzle before switching positions for the return leg. Judges evaluated entries on construction, creativity, and a pre-race skit. Red Bull provided each team with $200 to cover building costs.

"The Eagle Has Landed" finished in second place. The team performed a patriotic skit that included a choreographed lift prepared by senior Joe Jaroski and Erin Kelly. "Grouchiator Maximus" took third place, finishing ahead of "Minion Mayos," whose supporters included about 30 people dressed as Minions. The second and third place teams will receive unique Red Bull-sponsored events.

Aaron Colton, a professional motorcycle stunt performer and Red Bull athlete, served as one of three judges. He stated that creativity accounted for more than half of the scoring criteria. Colton noted that the puzzle element acted as an equalizer between teams. The other judges were Kayla Ruedebusch, a professional foil athlete, and Jay Wanserski, owner of Wando's and Jay's Bar. Ruedebusch said the creative elements distinguished this race from others on the tour.

Madison was the fifth stop on a nine-city tour that primarily targets college towns. Jada Cerniglia, a UW-Madison volleyball alumna, and comedian Tommy Violet hosted the event. Both were making their first appearance as hosts for a Red Bull event, while Colton had previously judged two other locations. Tohnie, a UW-Madison alum who formerly lived on Langdon Street, attended the race as part of the spectator group.