Crib Cart Crew Beats Students for $1,500 in Madison Chariot Race

Fast and Fatherly, a team of four Madison men connected through a local church group, claimed the top prize in the Red Bull Chariot Race on October 17. The crew defeated 23 other entries before a crowd of more than 3,000 people gathered on Langdon Street. The victors received $1,500 in cash and 60 cases of Red Bull. None of the four winners were college students, a distinction that set them apart from the majority of the field. Three of the team members are new fathers, while the fourth described himself as a soon-to-be dad.

The group built their vehicle to resemble a baby crib and adorned it with their children's toys. Sam Peterson, one of the competitors, wore a baby carrier holding a doll during the event. He told The Daily Cardinal that the race was much harder than he anticipated. Teammate Micah Palmer, who dressed in a baby costume, said he wants his children to learn that they can humiliate themselves and still enjoy the experience. The three fathers stated they intend to use their winnings for a family vacation.

The competition paired 24 teams into 12 head-to-head races beginning outside Memorial Union. Racers had to solve a Red Bull Puzzle and switch positions at the Lake Street turnaround before completing the course. Judges evaluated entries on construction, creativity, and a pre-race skit. Red Bull provided each team with $200 toward building costs.

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 a great equalizer because some teams built their carts that morning while others worked on them for weeks. His judging colleagues were Kayla Ruedebusch, a Madison-based creator and foil athlete, and Jay Wanserski, the owner of Wando's and Jay's Bar. Ruedebusch said the creative elements distinguished this race from others.

The Eagle Has Landed finished second after performing a patriotic skit that featured a choreographed lift. Senior Joe Jaroski, a member of the Wisconsin cheer team, dressed as Uncle Sam and spent hours rehearsing the lift with fellow senior Erin Kelly. Teammate Matt Kleist called the race a memorable senior year experience. Grouchiator Maximus took third place. Minion Mayos placed fourth, supported by a group of about 30 people dressed as Minions. The second and third place teams received invitations to unique Red Bull-sponsored events.

Madison marked 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. Both were making their first appearance at a Red Bull event. Colton had previously judged the race in two other locations. The crowd included prospective students, residents, and family members of competitors.

Team Super Badgers, an all-freshman entry, was surprised their application was accepted. Teammate Brennan Schumann said a friend submitted the form for them and informed them the next day that they had been selected. Spectator Tohnie, a UW-Madison alum who once lived on Langdon Street, expressed enjoyment in returning to her former neighborhood.