Four Non-Student Fathers Win $1,500 at Madison Chariot Race

Four Madison fathers who met through a church group won the Red Bull Chariot Race on Oct. 17, beating 23 other teams in a contest held on Langdon Street.

The group, known as Fast and Fatherly, collected $1,500 and 60 cases of Red Bull. None of the four members attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Three are new dads, while the fourth identified himself as a hopefully-soon-to-be dad. Their entry was a chariot designed to resemble a baby crib and adorned with children's toys.

Sam Peterson, a member of the winning crew, told The Daily Cardinal that the race was much harder than expected. He competed in a baby carrier holding a doll. Teammate Micah Palmer, who dressed as an infant, said he wants his children to learn that they can humiliate themselves and still enjoy the process. The three fathers stated they intend to use the cash prize for a family vacation.

The event featured 24 teams that paired off into 12 head-to-head races starting near Memorial Union. Competitors had to solve a puzzle at the Lake Street turnaround, switch seats, and race back. Judges evaluated chariot construction, creativity, and a pre-race skit. Red Bull provided each team with $200 for building materials.

The Eagle Has Landed placed second after performing a patriotic skit that included a choreographed lift. Senior Joe Jaroski, who dressed as Uncle Sam, said he spent hours practicing the lift with fellow senior Erin Kelly. Teammate Matt Kleist described the race as a memorable senior year experience. Grouchiator Maximus finished third, ahead of Minion Mayos, whose supporters included about 30 people dressed as Minions.

Aaron Colton, a professional motorcycle stunt performer, served as one of three judges. He noted that creativity accounted for more than half of the scoring. Colton called the puzzle the great equalizer because some teams built carts that morning while others worked for weeks. The other judges were Kayla Ruedebusch, a professional foil athlete, and Jay Wanserski, owner of Wando's and Jay's Bar.

Madison was the fifth stop on Red Bull's nine-stop tour. Jada Cerniglia and Tommy Violet hosted the event. Spectator Tohnie, a University of Wisconsin-Madison alum, said he loved returning to his home-away-from-home.