Four Fathers Win $1,500 in Madison Chariot Race

A team of four local fathers claimed the top prize in the Red Bull Chariot Race on Oct. 17. The group, calling themselves Fast and Fatherly, finished first among 24 competing teams. They received $1,500 and 60 cases of Red Bull for their victory.

The team members met through a church group rather than a university. Three are new parents, and the fourth described himself as a soon-to-be dad. Their chariot resembled a baby crib and carried their children's toys. This design set them apart from a field that was largely made up of college students.

Sam Peterson, one of the fathers, said the race was harder than expected. He competed while wearing a baby carrier that held a doll. His teammate Micah Palmer dressed as an infant. Palmer said he hopes their children learn that one can humiliate oneself and still enjoy the experience. The three fathers plan to use the cash prize for a family vacation.

The race took place on Langdon Street in front of more than 3,000 spectators. Teams were paired into 12 head-to-head matchups. They started near Memorial Union and raced to a turnaround at Lake Street. At that point, racers had to solve a Red Bull Puzzle, switch positions, and run back to the finish.

Judges evaluated the teams on chariot construction, creativity, and a pre-race skit. 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 score. He described the puzzle as a great equalizer because some teams built their carts the same morning, while others worked on them for weeks.

The second-place team, The Eagle Has Landed, performed a patriotic skit that included a choreographed lift. Joe Jaroski, a senior and member of the Wisconsin cheer team, said he spent hours preparing the stunt with Erin Kelly. Their team member Matt Kleist called the event a memorable senior year experience. Grouchiator Maximus took third place, finishing ahead of Minion Mayos, who had about 30 supporters dressed as Minions.

Madison was the fifth stop on a nine-city Red Bull tour. The event was hosted by Jada Cerniglia, a UW-Madison volleyball alumna, and Milwaukee comedian Tommy Violet. Both were hosting a Red Bull event for the first time. Colton had previously judged the race in two other locations. The crowd included prospective students, residents, and former residents like Tohnie, a UW-Madison alum who lived on Langdon Street.