Four local dads claim $1,500 prize after defeating 23 rivals in Madison chariot race

Four Madison men who know each other through a local church group won the top prize at the Red Bull Chariot Race held on Oct. 17. The team, named Fast and Fatherly, defeated 23 other crews to take home $1,500 and 60 cases of energy drinks. More than 3,000 spectators watched the competition unfold on Langdon Street.

The victory is notable because none of the winners were enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Three of the four men are new fathers, while the fourth describes himself as a soon-to-be dad. Their chariot resembled a baby crib and was decorated with toys belonging to their children. Sam Peterson, one of the competitors, wore a baby carrier with a doll inside during the event. He told The Daily Cardinal the race was harder than expected. Teammate Micah Palmer, who dressed as an infant, said he hopes his children learn that one can humiliate themselves and still enjoy the experience. The fathers plan to use the cash prize for a family vacation.

The event paired 24 teams into 12 head-to-head races that started outside Memorial Union. Participants had to solve a Red Bull puzzle and switch positions at the Lake Street turnaround before racing back. Judging considered chariot construction, creativity, and a pre-race skit. Each team received a $200 stipend from Red Bull toward building costs.

The Eagle Has Landed finished second after a patriotic skit that featured a choreographed lift. Joe Jaroski, a senior on the Wisconsin cheer team who dressed as Uncle Sam, said he and fellow senior Erin Kelly spent hours preparing that move. Matt Kleist, another team member, described the race as a memorable senior year experience. Grouchiator Maximus took third place, finishing ahead of Minion Mayos, which had about 30 supporters dressed as Minions on the sidelines. The second and third place teams also earned unique Red Bull sponsored events.

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 worked on them for weeks. 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 show elements distinguished this race from others.

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

Some entries were new to the competition. Team Super Badgers, one of the few all-freshman groups, was surprised when their application was accepted. Brennan Schumann, a teammate, said a friend filled out the form and told him the next day that they had been selected.