Non-Student Team Defeats 23 Rivals for $1,500 in Madison Chariot Race
Four local fathers won the top prize after a crowd of over 3,000 watched 24 teams compete on Langdon Street.
By Thiago Kovalenko ·
A group of four Madison residents who are not enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison defeated 23 college teams to win the Red Bull Chariot Race on October 17. The team, named Fast and Fatherly, claimed the $1,500 first-place prize and 60 cases of Red Bull. They competed before more than 3,000 spectators gathered on Langdon Street.
The victors built their vehicle to resemble a baby crib and decorated it with their children's toys. Three members are new fathers, while the fourth identifies as a soon-to-be dad. Sam Peterson, one of the fathers, wore a baby carrier holding a doll during the race. He told The Daily Cardinal that the event was much harder than expected. Teammate Micah Palmer dressed as a baby and said he wants his children to learn that they can humiliate themselves and still have a good time.
The three fathers plan to use their winnings to fund a family vacation. Their win marked a rare instance of a non-student team topping a field dominated by university students. The race paired the 24 entries into 12 head-to-head contests that began outside Memorial Union. Racers raced to a turnaround point on Lake Street, where they solved a Red Bull puzzle and switched positions before racing back.
Judges evaluated the teams on chariot construction, creativity, and a skit performed before the race. Red Bull provided each team with $200 to cover 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. He described the puzzle as the great equalizer, noting that some teams built their carts that morning while others spent weeks on them.
The Eagle Has Landed took second place after performing a patriotic skit that featured a choreographed lift. Senior Joe Jaroski, who dressed as Uncle Sam, said he spent hours practicing the lift with fellow senior Erin Kelly. Matt Kleist, another teammate, called the experience memorable for their senior year. Grouchiator Maximus finished third. Minion Mayos placed fourth, supported by about 30 fans dressed as Minions on the sidelines.
Madison was the fifth stop on Red Bull's nine-city tour of college towns. Jada Cerniglia, a UW-Madison volleyball alumna, and Tommy Violet, a Milwaukee comedian, hosted the event for the first time. Colton had previously judged the race in two other locations. Some participants were new to the competition. Brennan Schumann of Team Super Badgers, an all-freshman group, said a friend filled out their application and informed them of their selection the next day.
The audience included family members, prospective students, and local residents. Tohnie, a UW-Madison alum who once lived on Langdon Street, returned to the scene. She described the neighborhood as her home away from home. The other judges included Kayla Ruedebusch, a Madison-based creator, and Jay Wanserski, who owns Wando's and Jay's Bar. Ruedebusch noted that the creative elements distinguished this race from other events.
