Chariot Race Winners: Four Fathers Collect $1,500 in Madison

Four men from a Madison church group secured the top prize in the Oct. 17 Red Bull Chariot Race, finishing ahead of 23 other teams on Langdon Street. The group, named "Fast and Fatherly," received $1,500 and 60 cases of Red Bull after beating the field in front of more than 3,000 spectators. Unlike the majority of competitors, none of the four members are college students. Three are new fathers, and the fourth identified himself as a "hopefully-soon-to-be dad." Their vehicle, constructed to resemble a baby crib, was decorated with children's toys.

Sam Peterson, a member of the winning team, described the effort as more difficult than expected. He competed while wearing a baby carrier holding a doll. Teammate Micah Palmer, who dressed as an infant, said he hopes their children learn "that you can humiliate yourself and still have a good time." The three fathers stated they intend to use the cash prize for a family vacation.

The event involved 24 teams that raced in head-to-head matchups starting outside Memorial Union. Competitors had to solve a Red Bull Puzzle and switch positions at the Lake Street turnaround. Judges evaluated chariot construction, creativity, and a pre-race skit. Red Bull provided each team with $200 for building costs.

The team "The Eagle Has Landed" finished second following a patriotic skit that featured a choreographed lift. Senior Joe Jaroski, a Wisconsin cheer team member who dressed as Uncle Sam, said he spent hours preparing the lift with fellow senior Erin Kelly. Matt Kleist, a teammate, noted the race provided a memorable experience for their senior year. "Grouchiator Maximus" placed third, beating "Minion Mayos," whose entry drew about 30 supporters dressed as Minions. The second and third place teams received invitations to unique Red Bull-sponsored events.

Aaron Colton, a professional motorcycle stunt performer, served as one of three judges. He stated that creativity accounted for more than half of the scoring and called the puzzle "the great equalizer." The other judges were Kayla Ruedebusch, a Madison-based creator, and Jay Wanserski, owner of Wando's and Jay's Bar. Ruedebusch said the show and creative elements distinguished this race from others.

Some participants were first-time entrants. Brennan Schumann of "Team Super Badgers" said a friend submitted their application without his knowledge. He was informed the next day that they had been selected. Madison marked the fifth stop on Red Bull's nine-stop tour. Jada Cerniglia and Tommy Violet hosted the event for the first time, while Colton had previously judged at two other locations.

The audience included prospective students, residents, and family members. Tohnie, a University of Wisconsin-Madison alum who previously lived on Langdon Street, attended the event. She told The Daily Cardinal, "I love coming back to my home-away-from-home."