Madison Dads Win Red Bull Chariot Race
A group of local fathers defeated 23 other teams to secure a $1,500 cash prize and a bulk supply of energy drinks.
By Sarah Montgomery ·
Four men from Madison took the top prize in the Red Bull Chariot Race on Oct. 17.
The group, known as Fast and Fatherly, beat 23 other teams in a competition held on Langdon Street.
More than 3,000 spectators watched the event, which concluded with the fathers claiming a $1,500 cash prize and 60 cases of Red Bull.
The team stood out because none of its members were college students. Three are new fathers, and the fourth identifies as a soon to be dad. They built their vehicle to resemble a baby crib and filled it with their children's toys.
Sam Peterson, a team member who competed while wearing a baby carrier holding a doll, said the race was much harder than expected. His teammate Micah Palmer dressed as a baby during the event. Palmer said he hopes his children learn that they can humiliate themselves and still have a good time. The three fathers stated they plan to use the money for a family vacation.
The event combined University of Wisconsin Madison students with community members. Organizers paired the 24 teams into 12 head to head races starting outside Memorial Union. Racers had to solve a Red Bull Puzzle and switch positions at the Lake Street turnaround before racing back. Judges evaluated chariot construction, creativity, and a pre race skit. Red Bull provided each team with $200 to cover building costs.
The team Eagle Has Landed finished second. They performed a patriotic skit featuring a choreographed lift. Joe Jaroski, a senior and member of the Wisconsin cheer team who dressed as Uncle Sam, said he spent hours preparing the lift with fellow senior Erin Kelly. Teammate Matt Kleist said the race provided a memorable experience for their senior year.
Grouchiator Maximus took third place. They beat Minion Mayos, who had about 30 supporters dressed as Minions on the sidelines. The two runners up also received invitations to unique Red Bull sponsored events.
Aaron Colton, a Red Bull athlete and professional motorcycle stunt performer, served as one of three judges. He noted that creativity accounted for more than half of the scoring. Colton mentioned that some teams built their carts that morning while others had worked for weeks. He called the puzzle the great equalizer. The other judges were Kayla Ruedebusch, a Madison based creator and professional foil athlete, and Jay Wanserski, owner of Wando's and Jay's Bar. Ruedebusch said the creative elements set this race apart from others.
Some participants were new to the event. Team Super Badgers, one of the few all freshman entries, was surprised when their application was accepted. Teammate Brennan Schumann said a friend filled out the form for them and told them the next day that they had been selected.
Madison was the fifth stop on a nine stop tour that focuses on college towns. Jada Cerniglia, a UW Madison volleyball alumna, and Milwaukee comedian Tommy Violet hosted the event. Both were hosting a Red Bull event for the first time. Colton had judged the race in two other locations. The crowd included friends, family, prospective students, and local residents. Tohnie, a UW Madison alum who formerly lived on Langdon Street, said she loves coming back to her home away from home.
