Fatherly Team Outpaces Students to Capture Chariot Race Prize

The Red Bull Chariot Race tour reached its fifth stop in Madison, introducing a competitive field of twenty-four teams to the local market. On October 17, the event concluded with a clear winner emerging from a field that included many university students.

The winning entry, Fast and Fatherly, consisted of four men who connected through a church group rather than a college campus. Unlike the majority of competitors, none of the team members were enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The group included three new fathers and one man who described himself as a soon-to-be dad. Their vehicle was designed to resemble a baby crib and featured decorations made from their children's toys.

The team secured the top prize of $1,500 and 60 cases of Red Bull after defeating twenty-three other entries. The race drew a spectator count exceeding 3,000 along Langdon Street. Sam Peterson, who competed while wearing a baby carrier holding a doll, noted that the physical effort exceeded his expectations. His teammate Micah Palmer, who dressed in baby attire, expressed hope that their children would learn the value of enjoying oneself despite embarrassment. The fathers intend to allocate the cash prize toward a family vacation.

The event format paired the twenty-four teams into twelve head-to-head races originating near Memorial Union. Participants had to navigate a turnaround at Lake Street, where they solved a puzzle and switched positions before racing back. Judges evaluated the teams based on chariot construction, creativity, and a pre-race skit. Each team received a $200 grant from Red Bull to cover initial building costs.

Judging was overseen by a panel that included Aaron Colton, a professional motorcycle stunt performer and Red Bull athlete. Colton stated that creativity accounted for more than half of the score. He identified the puzzle as a great equalizer, noting that some teams built their carts on the morning of the race while others prepared for weeks. The panel also included Kayla Ruedebusch, a Madison-based creator and foil athlete, and Jay Wanserski, the owner of Wando's and Jay's Bar.

The second-place finisher was the team known as The Eagle Has Landed. Their performance featured a patriotic skit with a choreographed lift prepared by senior Joe Jaroski and Erin Kelly. They were followed by Grouchiator Maximus in third place and Minion Mayos in fourth. The two runners-up also received invitations to unique Red Bull-sponsored events. The race was hosted by first-timers Jada Cerniglia and Tommy Violet, with Colton serving as a judge for the third time on the tour.

The nine-stop tour primarily targets college towns, and Madison represented the fifth leg of the itinerary. Some participants were new to the competition. Team Super Badgers, an entry composed largely of freshmen, was surprised by their selection. Member Brennan Schumann said a friend submitted their application and informed them of their acceptance the following day.