Four dads beat 23 rivals for $1,500 in Madison chariot race

More than 3,000 spectators crowded Langdon Street on Oct. 17 to watch a team of four local fathers claim the top prize at the Red Bull Chariot Race. The group, named Fast and Fatherly, defeated 23 other competitors to take home $1,500 and 60 cases of Red Bull.

Unlike the majority of the field, none of the four members are college students. Three of the men are new fathers, while the fourth described himself as a soon-to-be dad. They built their vehicle to resemble a baby crib, decorating it with their children's toys. Sam Peterson, one of the racers, competed wearing a baby carrier holding a doll. He told The Daily Cardinal that the event was much harder than expected. His teammate Micah Palmer, who dressed in a baby costume, said he hopes their children learn that it is possible to humiliate oneself and still have a good time.

The three fathers said they plan to use the cash prize for a family vacation. The event combined University of Wisconsin-Madison students with community members. The 24 entries were paired into 12 head-to-head races starting outside Memorial Union. Racers had to navigate a turnaround at Lake Street, where they solved a Red Bull puzzle and switched positions before racing back. Judging criteria included chariot construction, creativity, and a pre-race skit. Red Bull provided each team with $200 for building costs.

Second place went to the team Eagle Has Landed, which performed a patriotic skit featuring a choreographed lift. Joe Jaroski, a senior on the Wisconsin cheer team who dressed as Uncle Sam, said he spent hours preparing the lift with fellow senior Erin Kelly. Matt Kleist, another team member, said the race provided a memorable experience for their senior year. Grouchiator Maximus finished in third place. Minion Mayos took fourth, supported by about 30 fans dressed as Minions on the sidelines. The top two teams also received unique Red Bull-sponsored event opportunities.

Aaron Colton, a Red Bull athlete and professional motorcycle stunt performer, served as one of three judges. He stated that creativity accounted for more than half of the scoring. Colton noted that some teams built their carts that morning, while others spent weeks on their projects. He called the puzzle the great equalizer. The other judges were Kayla Ruedebusch, a Madison-based creator and foil athlete, and Jay Wanserski, owner of Wando's and Jay's Bar. Ruedebusch said the creative elements distinguished this race from others.

Madison marked the fifth stop on Red Bull's nine-stop tour, which primarily visits college towns. Jada Cerniglia, a UW-Madison volleyball alumna, and Tommy Violet, a Milwaukee comedian, hosted the event for the first time. Colton had previously judged the race in two other locations. The crowd included prospective students, family members, and local residents. Tohnie, a UW-Madison alum who previously lived on Langdon Street, said she loves returning to her home away from home.