Four local fathers win $1,500 in Madison chariot race

Four men from a local church group won the Red Bull Chariot Race in Madison on October 17.

The team, called Fast and Fatherly, beat 23 other competitors in front of more than 3,000 spectators on Langdon Street. They won $1,500 and 60 cases of Red Bull. None of the four men are college students. Three are new fathers, and the fourth is expecting a child soon. Their cart was designed to look like a baby crib and decorated with their children's toys.

Sam Peterson, a team member, said the race was harder than expected. He competed wearing a baby carrier with a doll inside. Teammate Micah Palmer, who dressed as a baby, said he hopes his children learn that you can humiliate yourself and still have a good time. The three 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. Racers had to solve a Red Bull Puzzle at the Lake Street turnaround, switch positions, and race back. Judges evaluated chariot construction, creativity, and a pre-race skit. Red Bull provided each team with $200 for building costs.

The team Eagle Has Landed took second place. They performed a patriotic skit that included a choreographed lift. Senior Joe Jaroski, who dressed as Uncle Sam, said he spent hours preparing the lift with fellow senior Erin Kelly. Matt Kleist said the race provided a memorable experience for their senior year. Grouchiator Maximus finished third, ahead of Minion Mayos, whose supporters dressed as Minions.

Aaron Colton, a professional motorcycle stunt performer, was one of three judges. He noted that creativity counted for more than half of the score. He called the puzzle the great equalizer because some teams built their carts that morning while others worked for weeks. The other judges were Kayla Ruedebusch, a professional foil athlete, and Jay Wanserski, a bar owner. Ruedebusch said the creative elements set this race apart from others.

Madison was the fifth stop on Red Bull's nine-stop tour, which focuses on college towns. Jada Cerniglia and Tommy Violet hosted the event for the first time. Colton had judged the race in two other locations. Some teams were new to the competition. Team Super Badgers, an all-freshman entry, was surprised to be selected after a friend submitted their application.