Four Dads Win 1,500 Dollars and 60 Cases of Energy Drink at Madison Chariot Race

If you live in Madison, you might have noticed the chaos on Langdon Street earlier this month. What changed for a small group of local residents is that they are now the winners of a very unusual contest. On October 17, a team of four men claimed the top spot in the Red Bull Chariot Race, beating out 23 other competitors in front of a crowd that numbered more than 3,000 people. The victory brought them a cash prize of 1,500 dollars and 60 cases of Red Bull.

The winning group, which called themselves Fast and Fatherly, stood out in the field because none of the members were college students. Three of the men are new dads, and the fourth described himself as a man who hopes to become a father soon. Their vehicle was a hand-built chariot designed to look like a baby crib. They decorated the cart with their children's toys, adding a personal touch that resonated with the judges and the audience.

The experience was more challenging than the team anticipated. Sam Peterson, one of the participants, told The Daily Cardinal that the race was much harder than he had expected. He competed while wearing a baby carrier that held a doll. His teammate Micah Palmer dressed as a baby and shared his hope that their children will learn that it is okay to humiliate yourself and still have a good time. The three fathers who are already parents said they intend to use their winnings to pay for a vacation with their families.

The event served as a gathering point for University of Wisconsin-Madison students and members of the wider community. The 24 teams were paired up into 12 head-to-head races that started outside Memorial Union. The course required racers to reach a turnaround point on Lake Street, where they had to solve a Red Bull Puzzle and switch positions before racing back. Judges evaluated the teams based on their chariot construction, creativity, and a short skit performed before the race began. Red Bull provided each team with 200 dollars to help cover building costs.

The team that finished in second place was named The Eagle Has Landed. Their entry included 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 that lift with fellow senior Erin Kelly. Teammate Matt Kleist noted that the race gave them a memorable experience to cap off their senior year.

Third place went to Grouchiator Maximus. They finished ahead of Minion Mayos, a team that had about 30 supporters dressed as Minions cheering from the sidelines. The two teams that finished as runners-up also received invitations to unique events sponsored by Red Bull.

The judging panel included Aaron Colton, a professional motorcycle stunt performer and Red Bull athlete. He stated that creativity accounted for more than half of the judging score. He pointed out that some teams built their carts that very morning, while others had spent weeks on their designs. He also described the puzzle challenge as the great equalizer. The other judges were Kayla Ruedebusch, a Madison-based creator and professional foil athlete, and Jay Wanserski, the owner of Wando's and Jay's Bar. Ruedebusch said the show and creative elements set this race apart from similar events.

Some participants were new to the competition. Team Super Badgers, one of the few entries made up entirely of freshmen, was surprised to learn their application had been accepted. Teammate Brennan Schumann said a friend filled out the form for them and informed them the next day that they had been selected.

Madison was the fifth stop on a nine-city tour that Red Bull runs primarily through college towns. The race was hosted by Jada Cerniglia, a UW-Madison volleyball alumna, and Milwaukee comedian Tommy Violet, both of whom were making their debut at a Red Bull event. Colton had previously judged the race at two other locations.

The spectators included friends and family of the competitors, prospective students visiting campus, and local residents. Tohnie, a UW-Madison alum who once lived on Langdon Street, shared that she loves coming back to what she calls her home away from home.