Dad Team Collects $1,500 Prize in Langdon Street 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 in a series of head-to-head races.

A team of four men named "Fast and Fatherly" won the top prize of $1,500 and 60 cases of Red Bull. None of the four members were college students, which set them apart from the majority of the field. Three are new fathers, and the fourth described himself as a soon-to-be dad.

The team built a chariot designed to resemble a baby crib and decorated it with children's toys. Sam Peterson, a team member, told The Daily Cardinal that the competition was harder than expected. He raced while wearing a baby carrier containing a doll. Teammate Micah Palmer, who dressed as a baby, said he hopes their children learn that one can humiliate oneself and still have a good time. The three fathers said they plan to use the cash prize for a family vacation.

The race format required teams to pair up for 12 head-to-head starts near Memorial Union. Competitors raced to a turnaround at 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 pre-race skit. Red Bull provided each team with $200 to cover building costs.

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

"The Eagle Has Landed" finished second after performing a patriotic skit that included a choreographed lift. Senior Joe Jaroski, who dressed as Uncle Sam, spent hours preparing the lift with fellow senior Erin Kelly. Teammate Matt Kleist called the experience a memorable conclusion to his senior year. "Grouchiator Maximus" took third place, finishing ahead of "Minion Mayos," whose supporters dressed as Minions cheered from the sidelines. The two runners-up also received unique Red Bull sponsored events.

Madison served as the fifth stop on Red Bull's nine-stop chariot race tour. Jada Cerniglia, a UW-Madison volleyball alumna, and Tommy Violet, a Milwaukee comedian, hosted the event. Colton had previously judged the race in two other locations. The crowd included prospective students, residents, and family members of the competitors.