Four Non-Student Dads Claim $1,500 Prize in Langdon Street Race

Four men from a Madison church group won the top prize in the Red Bull Chariot Race on Oct. 17. Their team, named Fast and Fatherly, finished first among 24 competitors to earn $1,500 and 60 cases of Red Bull. The event took place on Langdon Street before an audience of more than 3,000 people.

The winning crew stood out for not including any university students. Three members are new fathers, while the fourth described himself as a future dad. They entered the contest in a chariot styled as a baby crib and decorated with their children’s toys. Sam Peterson, one of the racers, told The Daily Cardinal that the race proved harder than he expected. He competed in a baby carrier holding a doll. Teammate Micah Palmer dressed as a baby and said he hopes his kids learn that one can humiliate oneself and still enjoy the experience. The three fathers said they plan to use the cash prize for a family vacation.

The competition format paired the 24 teams into 12 head-to-head races starting near Memorial Union. Racers had to solve a puzzle at the Lake Street turnaround, switch positions, and race back. Judges evaluated the teams on chariot construction, creativity, and a pre-race skit. Red Bull provided each group with $200 to cover building materials.

The second-place finish went to the team Eagle Has Landed. Their patriotic skit featured a choreographed lift performed by senior Joe Jaroski, who dressed as Uncle Sam. Jaroski said he spent hours rehearsing the move with fellow senior Erin Kelly. Teammate Matt Kleist said the event offered a memorable experience for their final year on campus. The team Grouchiator Maximus took third place, finishing ahead of Minion Mayos, who had about 30 supporters dressed as minions cheering from the sidelines. The top two non-winning teams also received unique Red Bull-sponsored events.

Aaron Colton, a professional motorcycle stunt performer and Red Bull athlete, served as one of the three judges. He stated that creativity accounted for more than half of the scoring. He noted that some teams built their carts that morning while others spent weeks preparing. He called the puzzle the great equalizer. The other judges were Kayla Ruedebusch, a Madison-based creator and foil athlete, and Jay Wanserski, owner of Wando's and Jay's Bar. Ruedebusch said the creative elements distinguished this race from other events.

Madison was the fifth stop on a nine-stop tour that primarily visits college towns. Hosts Jada Cerniglia, a UW-Madison volleyball alumna, and Tommy Violet, a Milwaukee comedian, both made their first appearances at a Red Bull event. Colton had judged the race in two other locations previously. The crowd included prospective students, residents, and friends of the competitors. Tohnie, a UW-Madison alum who previously lived on Langdon Street, said she loves returning to what she calls her home away from home.