Madison Fathers Win $1,500 in Red Bull Chariot Race
Four local dads, three of whom are new parents, defeated 23 other teams to claim the top prize and 60 cases of energy drinks on Langdon Street.
By Pedro Barnes ·
The winning team secured $1,500 and 60 cases of Red Bull after outperforming 23 other entries in the Oct. 17 race on Langdon Street. More than 3,000 spectators watched the competition, which pitted University of Wisconsin-Madison students against community members. The victors, a group of four men who know each other through a church group, are the only non-students to place in the top tier. Three are new fathers, and the fourth identifies as a soon-to-be dad.
They named their entry "Fast and Fatherly" and built a chariot styled like a baby crib, decorated with children's toys. Sam Peterson competed in a baby carrier holding a doll, while teammate Micah Palmer dressed as an infant. Palmer told The Daily Cardinal that he hopes their children learn they can humiliate themselves and still have a good time. Peterson called the race much harder than expected. The three fathers intend to use the cash prize for a family vacation.
The 24 teams raced in 12 head-to-head matchups starting near Memorial Union. Competitors had to solve a Red Bull Puzzle and switch positions at the Lake Street turnaround before sprinting back. Judges also evaluated the chariots' construction, creativity, and a pre-race skit. Red Bull provided each team with $200 to cover building costs.
"The Eagle Has Landed" took second place after a patriotic performance that included a choreographed lift. Senior Joe Jaroski, a member of the Wisconsin cheer team who dressed as Uncle Sam, spent hours rehearsing the maneuver with fellow senior Erin Kelly. Matt Kleist said the experience provided a memorable finish to his senior year. "Grouchiator Maximus" finished third, ahead of "Minion Mayos," whose 30 supporters dressed as Minions cheered from the sidelines.
Judges awarded the majority of their score to creativity. Aaron Colton, a Red Bull athlete and motorcycle stunt performer, said some teams built their carts that morning while others worked for weeks. He described the puzzle as the great equalizer. Kayla Ruedebusch, a Madison-based foil athlete and creator, and Jay Wanserski, owner of Wando's and Jay's Bar, served as the other judges. Ruedebusch noted that the creative elements distinguished this race from others.
Madison was the fifth stop on Red Bull's nine-city tour, which primarily targets college towns. UW-Madison volleyball alumna Jada Cerniglia and Milwaukee comedian Tommy Violet hosted the event, both making their debut at a Red Bull show. Colton had previously judged the race in two other locations. "Team Super Badgers," an all-freshman group, was surprised to learn their application had been accepted. Teammate Brennan Schumann said a friend filled out the form and informed them of their selection the following day.
Spectators included prospective students, local residents, and families of competitors. Tohnie, a UW-Madison alum who previously lived on Langdon Street, said she loves returning to her home-away-from-home.
