Fast and Fatherly captures $1,500 in Madison chariot race

Four Madison men claimed the top prize in the Red Bull Chariot Race on Oct. 17, defeating 23 rival teams on Langdon Street. The group, known as Fast and Fatherly, collected $1,500 and 60 cases of Red Bull for their victory. More than 3,000 spectators watched the competition as it unfolded.

The winning team consists of four non-students who met through a church group. Three are new fathers, while the fourth identifies as a soon-to-be dad. Their vehicle was constructed to resemble a baby crib and decorated with their children's toys. Sam Peterson, a team member who competed in a baby carrier holding a doll, noted the physical challenge of the event. "This was so much harder than I thought it was going to be," Peterson said. Teammate Micah Palmer, who dressed as a baby, stated he hopes their children learn that one can humiliate themselves and still enjoy the experience. The fathers plan to use the cash prize for a family vacation.

The race format required 24 teams to compete in 12 head-to-head heats starting near Memorial Union. Competitors had to solve a puzzle at the Lake Street turnaround point and switch positions before racing back. Judging criteria included chariot construction, creativity, and a pre-race skit. 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 who dressed as Uncle Sam, spent hours preparing the maneuver with teammate Erin Kelly. Matt Kleist, another member, described the race as a memorable senior year experience. Grouchiator Maximus placed third. Minion Mayos finished fourth, supported by approximately 30 people dressed as Minions on the sidelines.

Aaron Colton, a professional motorcycle stunt performer, served as one of three judges. Colton stated that creativity accounted for more than half of the scoring. He described the puzzle as the great equalizer because some teams built their carts that morning while others worked for weeks. Kayla Ruedebusch, a foil athlete, and Jay Wanserski, a bar owner, completed the judging panel. Ruedebusch said the creative elements distinguished this race from other events.

Madison was the fifth stop on the nine-city Red Bull tour. Jada Cerniglia, a UW-Madison volleyball alumna, and Tommy Violet, a Milwaukee comedian, hosted the event for the first time. Colton had previously judged the race in two other locations. The crowd included residents, prospective students, and families of competitors. Tohnie, a UW-Madison alumna who previously lived on Langdon Street, said she loves returning to her home-away-from-home.