Church Dads Win Red Bull Race

Four Madison fathers took the top prize in the Red Bull Chariot Race on Oct. 17.

The group, named Fast and Fatherly, defeated 23 other teams in front of a crowd exceeding 3,000 people on Langdon Street. They won $1,500 and 60 cases of energy drinks. None of the four members were college students, a distinction that set them apart from most competitors. Three are new fathers, while the fourth called himself a soon-to-be dad. Their vehicle was designed to resemble a baby crib and covered in children's toys.

Sam Peterson, a team member, said the event was much harder than expected. He raced while wearing a baby carrier holding a doll. His teammate Micah Palmer dressed as a baby and said he hoped their children would learn that they can humiliate themselves and still enjoy the experience. The three fathers said they intend to use the money for a family vacation.

The race paired the 24 teams into 12 head-to-head heats starting outside Memorial Union. Racers had to solve a Red Bull Puzzle and switch positions at the Lake Street turnaround before racing back. Judges evaluated the chariot construction, creativity, and a pre-race skit. Red Bull provided each team with $200 for building materials.

The team named The Eagle Has Landed finished second. Their patriotic skit featured a choreographed lift performed by senior Joe Jaroski, who dressed as Uncle Sam, and senior Erin Kelly. Jaroski said they spent hours preparing the maneuver. Matt Kleist, another teammate, said the race provided a memorable experience for their senior year. Grouchiator Maximus placed third, finishing ahead of Minion Mayos, who had about 30 supporters dressed as Minions watching from the sidelines. The second and third place teams also received unique Red Bull sponsored events.

Aaron Colton, a professional motorcycle stunt performer, served as one of three judges. He noted that creativity accounted for more than half of the scoring. Colton pointed to the puzzle as the great equalizer because some teams built their carts that morning while others had worked on them for weeks. 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 others.

Some teams were first-time participants. Team Super Badgers, one of the few all-freshman entries, was surprised when their application was accepted. Teammate Brennan Schumann said a friend submitted the form and informed them the next day that they had been selected. Madison was the fifth stop on Red Bull's nine-stop tour, which primarily visits college towns. Jada Cerniglia, a UW-Madison volleyball alumna, and Milwaukee comedian Tommy Violet hosted the event for the first time. Colton had previously judged the race in two other locations. The audience included friends, family, prospective students, and local residents. Tohnie, a UW-Madison alum who formerly lived on Langdon Street, said she loves returning to her home-away-from-home.