Four dads win $1,500 in chariot race

Four men from a local church group collected $1,500 and 60 cases of Red Bull after winning the Red Bull Chariot Race on Oct. 17. Their team, Fast and Fatherly, was the only entry in the field where none of the members were college students. They competed against 23 other teams in front of a crowd of more than 3,000 people on Langdon Street.

The group’s vehicle was designed to resemble a baby crib and featured decorations made from their children’s toys. Three of the four racers are new fathers. The fourth member described himself as a dad-to-be. Sam Peterson, one of the competitors, told The Daily Cardinal that the race was harder than he expected. He ran while wearing a baby carrier that held a doll. Teammate Micah Palmer, who dressed as a baby, said he hopes his children learn that it is okay to humiliate themselves for fun. The fathers plan to use the cash prize for a family vacation.

The event paired the 24 teams into 12 head-to-head races that began outside Memorial Union. At the Lake Street turnaround, participants had to solve a Red Bull Puzzle and swap positions before racing back. Judges evaluated the teams on their chariot construction, creativity, and a skit performed before the race. Red Bull provided each team with $200 to cover building costs.

The team called The Eagle Has Landed took second place. They performed a patriotic skit that included a choreographed lift. Joe Jaroski, a senior who dressed as Uncle Sam, said he spent hours preparing that move with teammate Erin Kelly. Matt Kleist, another team member, said the race gave them a memorable experience for their final year. Grouchiator Maximus finished third. Minion Mayos placed fourth, with about 30 supporters dressed as Minions cheering from the sidelines. The second and third place teams also received unique Red Bull-sponsored events.

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. He called the puzzle the great equalizer because some teams built their carts that morning while others had worked on them for weeks. Kayla Ruedebusch, a foil athlete, and Jay Wanserski, owner of Wando's and Jay's Bar, were the other judges. Ruedebusch said the show and creative elements distinguished this race from others.

Some participants were new to the competition. Team Super Badgers, one of the few all-freshman entries, was surprised to be selected. Brennan Schumann said a friend filled out their application and informed them the next day that they had been accepted. Madison was the fifth stop on a nine-stop tour that visits college towns. Jada Cerniglia and Tommy Violet hosted the event for their first time. Colton had judged the race in two other locations.

The audience included family members, prospective students, and local residents. Tohnie, a University of Wisconsin-Madison alum who previously lived on Langdon Street, said she loves returning to her home away from home.