Fast and Fatherly Wins $1,500 at Madison Chariot Race

The Red Bull Chariot Race returned to Madison this week, bringing a crowd of more than 3,000 to Langdon Street for a day of competition. The event featured 24 teams from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the surrounding community. The race served as the fifth stop on a nine-city tour that primarily targets college towns.

A team named Fast and Fatherly claimed the top prize. The group of four men won $1,500 and 60 cases of Red Bull. Unlike the majority of the field, none of the members were current college students. Three of the men are new fathers. The fourth describes himself as a hopefully-soon-to-be dad. Their vehicle was designed to resemble a baby crib and decorated with their children's toys.

Sam Peterson, one of the competitors, wore a baby carrier holding a doll during the race. He noted the physical difficulty of the event. Teammate Micah Palmer dressed as a baby. He said he hopes their children learn that they can humiliate themselves and still have a good time. The three fathers plan to use the cash prize to pay for a vacation with their families.

The race format paired the 24 teams into 12 head-to-head runs starting outside Memorial Union. At the Lake Street turnaround, drivers had to solve a Red Bull Puzzle and switch positions before racing back. Judges evaluated the chariot construction, creativity, and a pre-race skit. Red Bull provided each team with $200 toward building costs.

Aaron Colton, a professional motorcycle stunt performer, served as one of the 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 Madison-based creator and foil athlete, and Jay Wanserski, owner of Wando's and Jay's Bar. Ruedebusch noted that the show elements set this race apart.

The Eagle Has Landed took second place after performing a patriotic skit that included a choreographed lift. Senior Joe Jaroski, a member of the Wisconsin cheer team, spent hours preparing the lift with fellow senior Erin Kelly. Matt Kleist said the race provided a memorable senior year experience. Grouchiator Maximus finished third. Minion Mayos placed fourth, supported by about 30 fans dressed as Minions. The two runners-up also receive unique Red Bull-sponsored events.

Jada Cerniglia, a UW-Madison volleyball alumna, and Tommy Violet, a Milwaukee comedian, hosted the event for the first time. Colton had judged the race at two other locations. Some teams were first-time participants. Team Super Badgers, an all-freshman entry, was surprised to be accepted. Teammate Brennan Schumann said a friend filled out their application. He learned the next day that they had been selected. The crowd included prospective students, residents, and families of competitors. Tohnie, a UW-Madison alum who once lived on Langdon Street, said she loves coming back to her home-away-from-home.