Non-Student Team Fast and Fatherly Wins $1,500 at Madison Chariot Race

The Red Bull Chariot Race returned to Madison on Oct. 17, drawing a crowd of more than 3,000 spectators to Langdon Street for the fifth stop on a nine-city tour. The event featured 24 teams competing in head-to-head races that included a mid-course puzzle and a creative skit.

The winning entry, Fast and Fatherly, claimed the top prize of $1,500 and 60 cases of Red Bull. The team consists of four local men who met through a church group. Three of the four are new fathers, while the fourth identified himself as a soon-to-be dad. None of the members were college students, distinguishing them from the majority of the field.

The team built their chariot to resemble a baby crib and decorated it with their children's toys. Sam Peterson, a teammate who competed wearing a baby carrier holding a doll, noted that the race was harder than expected. Micah Palmer, who dressed as a baby, stated he hopes their children learn that one can humiliate oneself and still enjoy the experience. The three fathers said they plan to use the winnings for a family vacation.

The event paired teams into 12 races starting outside Memorial Union. At the Lake Street turnaround, competitors solved a puzzle and switched positions before racing back. Judges evaluated teams on construction, creativity, and the pre-race skit. Red Bull provided each team with $200 toward building costs.

Aaron Colton, a professional motorcycle stunt performer, served as one of three judges. He stated that creativity accounted for more than half of the scoring and called the puzzle a great equalizer. The other judges were Kayla Ruedebusch, a Madison-based foil athlete, and Jay Wanserski, owner of Wando's and Jay's Bar. Ruedebusch said the creative elements set this race apart from others.

The Eagle Has Landed placed second after a patriotic skit featuring a choreographed lift. Senior Joe Jaroski, who dressed as Uncle Sam, said he spent hours preparing the lift with teammate Erin Kelly. Grouchiator Maximus finished third, ahead of Minion Mayos, who had about 30 supporters dressed as Minions cheering from the sidelines. The two runners-up received unique Red Bull sponsored events.

Jada Cerniglia, a UW-Madison volleyball alumna, and Milwaukee comedian Tommy Violet hosted the event. Both were making their debut at a Red Bull show. Colton had previously judged the race in two other locations on the tour.