Madison dads win $1,500 chariot race

Four men from a Madison church group claimed the top prize in the Red Bull Chariot Race on Oct. 17. Their team, named Fast and Fatherly, defeated 23 other competitors in a contest held on Langdon Street. More than 3,000 spectators watched the final races.

The winners received $1,500 and 60 cases of Red Bull. Unlike many competitors, none of the four members were college students. Three are new fathers, while the fourth is expecting a child soon. They designed their chariot to resemble a baby crib and adorned it with their children's toys.

Sam Peterson, who raced in a baby carrier holding a doll, described the event as physically demanding. His teammate Micah Palmer, who dressed as an infant, said the experience taught their children that one can humiliate oneself and still enjoy the process. The fathers intend to use the cash prize for a family vacation.

The competition paired the 24 teams into 12 head-to-head races starting near Memorial Union. Participants had to navigate a Red Bull Puzzle at the Lake Street turnaround and change positions before returning. Judges evaluated construction, creativity, and a pre-race skit. Red Bull provided each team with $200 for building materials.

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. He identified the puzzle as the great equalizer. The other judges were Kayla Ruedebusch, a professional foil athlete, and Jay Wanserski, a local bar owner. Ruedebusch noted that the creative elements distinguished this race from others.

The Eagle Has Landed took second place after performing a patriotic skit that featured a choreographed lift. Senior Joe Jaroski, who dressed as Uncle Sam, said he spent hours preparing the routine with fellow senior Erin Kelly. Grouchiator Maximus finished third. The losing teams received invitations to unique Red Bull events.

Madison marked the fifth stop on the company's nine-stop tour, which primarily visits college towns. Jada Cerniglia and Tommy Violet hosted the event for their first time. Colton had previously judged the race at two other locations. The audience included local residents, prospective students, and families of competitors.

Team Super Badgers, an all-freshman entry, was surprised by their selection. Member Brennan Schumann said a friend submitted the application without his knowledge. Spectator Tohnie, a University of Wisconsin-Madison alum who formerly lived on Langdon Street, expressed delight at returning to her former neighborhood.