Madison Fathers Claim Victory in Red Bull Chariot Competition

Residents of Madison witnessed a shift in the traditional collegiate dynamic during the Red Bull Chariot Race held on Oct. 17. A group of four local men, rather than university students, secured the top prize by outpacing 23 other teams. The victory brought them a $1,500 cash award and 60 cases of Red Bull, a result that surprised many in the crowd of more than 3,000 spectators gathered on Langdon Street.

The winning team, known as Fast and Fatherly, distinguished themselves by their unique composition. Three members are new fathers, while the fourth describes himself as a soon-to-be dad. They constructed a chariot designed to resemble a baby crib, which was decorated with their children’s toys. Team member Sam Peterson, who competed wearing a baby carrier with a doll inside, noted that the race was significantly more difficult than expected. His teammate Micah Palmer, dressed in a baby costume, expressed hope that their children would learn that one can humiliate themselves and still enjoy the process. The fathers plan to use the winnings for a family vacation.

The competition format required the 24 participating teams to race in head-to-head pairs starting outside Memorial Union. At the Lake Street turnaround, racers were required to solve a Red Bull Puzzle and switch positions before heading back. Judging criteria included chariot construction, creativity, and a pre-race skit. Red Bull provided each team with $200 to assist with building costs, ensuring a level of financial support for all competitors.

Second place went to a team called The Eagle Has Landed, which performed a patriotic skit featuring a choreographed lift. Senior Joe Jaroski, a member of the Wisconsin cheer team who dressed as Uncle Sam, spent hours preparing the maneuver with teammate Erin Kelly. Matt Kleist stated that the race provided a memorable experience for their senior year. Third place was awarded to Grouchiator Maximus, who finished ahead of Minion Mayos. The latter team had approximately 30 supporters dressed as Minions cheering from the sidelines. Both second and third place teams received invitations to unique Red Bull sponsored events.

Judging the event was Aaron Colton, a professional motorcycle stunt performer and Red Bull athlete, alongside Kayla Ruedebusch, a Madison based creator and foil athlete, and Jay Wanserski, owner of Wando's and Jay's Bar. Colton emphasized that creativity accounted for more than half of the judging score. He noted that the puzzle served as the great equalizer, as some teams built their carts that morning while others had worked on them for weeks. Ruedebusch added that the creative elements set this race apart from similar events.

Madison served as the fifth stop on Red Bull's nine stop tour, which primarily visits college towns. The event was hosted by Jada Cerniglia, a UW-Madison volleyball alumna, and Milwaukee comedian Tommy Violet, both making their first appearances at a Red Bull event. Colton had previously judged races in two other locations. The audience included prospective students, family members, and local residents. Tohnie, a university alum who previously lived on Langdon Street, described the location as a home away from home.

Some participants were new to the competition. Team Super Badgers, one of the few all-freshman entries, was surprised to learn their application had been accepted. Teammate Brennan Schumann stated that a friend filled out the form for them and informed them of their selection the following day. The event successfully brought together university students and community members in a display of local talent and effort.