Dads win Red Bull chariot race

Four Madison fathers secured the primary financial and material rewards in the recent Red Bull Chariot Race, defeating 23 competing teams in an event that highlighted the growing commercial reach of the beverage brand in college markets. The group, operating under the name Fast and Fatherly, claimed the top spot on Oct. 17 during a competition held on Langdon Street. The victory was significant because none of the four winners were enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a demographic that typically dominates this specific category of sponsored collegiate events. Their win stands out in a field that is heavily weighted toward student participants.

The immediate payout for the winning team was $1,500 in cash along with 60 cases of Red Bull. This prize structure is designed to incentivize participation while reinforcing brand visibility among young adults. Three of the four members of Fast and Fatherly are new fathers, and the fourth described himself as a soon-to-be dad. This demographic focus influenced their product strategy for the race. They constructed their vehicle to resemble a baby crib and decorated it with their children's toys. The creative angle was a deliberate move to differentiate their entry in a crowded field.

Sam Peterson, one of the competitors, noted the physical difficulty of the event in a post-race interview. He stated, "This was so much harder than I thought it was going to be." He competed while wearing a baby carrier that held a doll. His teammate Micah Palmer, who dressed as an infant, offered a perspective on the value of the experience for their children. He said he hopes they learn that you can humiliate yourself and still have a good time. The team plans to allocate the cash winnings toward a family vacation, a common use of the prize money that aligns with the event's emphasis on lifestyle and leisure.

The race format involved 24 teams paired into 12 head-to-head matches. The course started outside Memorial Union and required competitors to navigate a turnaround at Lake Street. At this point, racers had to solve a Red Bull Puzzle and switch positions before returning to the start line. The competition was not solely based on speed. Judges evaluated chariot construction, creativity, and a preliminary skit. To support the build phase, Red Bull provided each team with $200 in building costs. This subsidy lowers the barrier to entry for teams that may not have significant capital for project development.

The second-place finisher was a team named The Eagle Has Landed. They performed a patriotic skit that included a choreographed lift. Joe Jaroski, a senior and member of the Wisconsin cheer team, dressed as Uncle Sam for the event. He spent hours preparing the lift with fellow senior Erin Kelly. Matt Kleist, another team member, described the race as a memorable experience for their senior year. The third-place team was Grouchiator Maximus. They finished ahead of Minion Mayos, who had approximately 30 supporters dressed as Minions on the sidelines. Both the second and third-place teams received unique Red Bull-sponsored events as part of their prize package.

The judging panel included Aaron Colton, a Red Bull athlete and professional motorcycle stunt performer. Colton emphasized that creativity accounted for more than half of the final scoring. He noted that some teams assembled their carts that morning, while others had worked on them for weeks. He identified the puzzle as the great equalizer in the competition. The other judges were Kayla Ruedebusch, a Madison-based creator and professional foil athlete, and Jay Wanserski, owner of Wando's and Jay's Bar. Ruedebusch stated that the show and creative elements distinguished this race from similar events elsewhere.

Participation in the event remains a mix of experienced and new entrants. Team Super Badgers, one of the few all-freshman entries, was surprised to learn their application had been accepted. Teammate Brennan Schumann explained that a friend filled out the form for them. He was told the next day that they had been selected. This dynamic highlights the open application process that allows new teams to compete against established groups. The presence of freshmen also ensures a steady pipeline of new talent for future iterations of the race.

Madison served as the fifth stop on Red Bull's nine-stop chariot race tour. The tour primarily targets college towns, a strategy that aligns with the brand's core demographic. Jada Cerniglia, a UW-Madison volleyball alumna, and Milwaukee comedian Tommy Violet hosted the event. Both were hosting a Red Bull event for the first time. Colton had previously judged the race in two other locations. The crowd included friends and family of competitors, prospective students visiting campus, and local Madison residents. Tohnie, a UW-Madison alum who once lived on Langdon Street, commented on her personal connection to the area. She said, "I love coming back to my home-away-from-home."