Four Non-Student Dads Win $1,500 in Madison Chariot Race

The Red Bull Chariot Race returned to Madison on Oct. 17, drawing a crowd of more than 3,000 people to Langdon Street. The event featured 24 teams competing for cash prizes and sponsorships.

A group of four local men named 'Fast and Fatherly' claimed the top prize of $1,500 and 60 cases of Red Bull. None of the team members were college students, a distinction that set them apart from the majority of the field. Three of the men are new fathers, while the fourth is expecting a child soon. Their vehicle was constructed to resemble a baby crib and decorated with children's toys.

Sam Peterson, one of the winners, competed while wearing a baby carrier that held a doll. He described the physical effort as greater than anticipated. Teammate Micah Palmer dressed as an infant for the race. The three fathers said they intend to use the cash prize to fund a family vacation.

The competition format required teams to engage in 12 head-to-head races. Participants started outside Memorial Union and raced to a turnaround point on Lake Street. At the turnaround, racers solved a puzzle and switched positions before returning. Judging criteria included chariot construction, creativity, and a pre-race skit. Red Bull provided each team with $200 for building costs.

'The Eagle Has Landed' secured second place following a patriotic performance that included a choreographed lift. Senior Joe Jaroski, a member of the Wisconsin cheer team, dressed as Uncle Sam for the event. He said he spent hours preparing the lift with teammate Erin Kelly. 'Grouchiator Maximus' took third place, finishing ahead of 'Minion Mayos,' which had approximately 30 supporters dressed as Minions on the sidelines. The second and third place teams also received unique event invitations from Red Bull.

Aaron Colton, a professional motorcycle stunt performer and Red Bull athlete, served as one of three judges. He stated that creativity accounted for more than half of the scoring. The other judges were Kayla Ruedebusch, a professional foil athlete and Madison-based creator, and Jay Wanserski, owner of Wando's and Jay's Bar. Ruedebusch noted that the creative elements differentiated this race from others on the tour.

Madison marked the fifth stop on a nine-city tour that primarily visits 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.