Four Madison dads win $1,500 in Red Bull chariot race

Four men who met through a church group won the Red Bull Chariot Race on Oct. 17. The team, named Fast and Fatherly, defeated 23 other entries in a contest held on Langdon Street. More than 3,000 spectators watched the event.

The winners collected a $1,500 cash prize and 60 cases of Red Bull. None of the four men are college students. Three are new fathers, and the fourth described himself as a man hoping to become a dad soon. Their vehicle was styled to resemble a baby crib and decorated with their children's toys.

Sam Peterson competed while wearing a baby carrier that held a doll. He told The Daily Cardinal that the race was harder than he expected. Teammate Micah Palmer dressed as an infant. Palmer said he wants his children to learn that they can humiliate themselves and still have a good time. The three fathers said they plan to use the money for a family vacation.

The 24 teams competed in 12 head-to-head races. The course started outside Memorial Union and required racers to solve a Red Bull Puzzle at the Lake Street turnaround. Teams were judged on construction, creativity, and a skit performed before the race. Red Bull provided each team with $200 to cover building costs.

The Eagle Has Landed finished second. The team performed a patriotic skit featuring a choreographed lift. Joe Jaroski, a senior and member of the Wisconsin cheer team, dressed as Uncle Sam. He said he spent hours practicing the lift with senior Erin Kelly. Matt Kleist said the race provided a memorable experience for his senior year.

Grouchiator Maximus placed third. It finished ahead of Minion Mayos, which had about 30 supporters dressed as Minions in the crowd. The second and third place teams also received unique events sponsored by Red Bull.

Aaron Colton, a professional motorcycle stunt performer and Red Bull athlete, 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. The other judges were Kayla Ruedebusch, a foil athlete and creator, and Jay Wanserski, owner of Wando's and Jay's Bar. Ruedebusch said the creative elements distinguished the race. Madison was the fifth stop on a nine-city tour. Jada Cerniglia and Tommy Violet hosted the event.