Dad Team Beats Students at Race

For the families of four Madison men, a recent weekend event resulted in a $1,500 cash prize and 60 cases of energy drinks. The group, which competed under the name Fast and Fatherly, secured the victory on October 17. They outpaced 23 other teams in a race held on Langdon Street before a crowd of more than 3,000 spectators. Unlike the majority of the competing field, none of the winning team's members were enrolled at a university.

The team's composition set them apart from their rivals. Three of the four men are new fathers, while the fourth identified himself as a hopefully-soon-to-be dad. Their vehicle was designed to resemble a baby crib and was decorated with their children's toys. Sam Peterson, a member of the team, noted the physical difficulty of the competition. He stated that the event was so much harder than he had anticipated. Peterson competed while wearing a baby carrier that held a baby doll.

Teammate Micah Palmer, who dressed in baby clothes, offered a different perspective on the experience. He said he hopes their children learn that you can humiliate yourself and still have a good time. The three fathers on the team have indicated they plan to use the winnings for a family vacation. The event served as a gathering point for University of Wisconsin-Madison students and local community members alike.

The race format required the 24 teams to be paired into 12 head-to-head competitions. The courses began outside Memorial Union. At a turnaround point on Lake Street, participants were required to solve a Red Bull Puzzle and switch positions before racing back to the finish. Judging was not based solely on speed. Teams were also evaluated on the construction of their chariots, their creativity, and a skit performed prior to the race. Red Bull provided each team with $200 to help cover building costs.

The team that finished second was called The Eagle Has Landed. They performed a patriotic skit that featured a choreographed lift. Joe Jaroski, a senior and member of the Wisconsin cheer team, dressed as Uncle Sam for the event. He said he spent hours preparing the lift with fellow senior Erin Kelly. Teammate Matt Kleist described the race as a memorable experience for their final year at the university.

Grouchiator Maximus finished in third place. They edged out the team known as Minion Mayos. The Minions had approximately 30 supporters dressed in character costumes cheering from the sidelines. The two teams that placed second and third also received invitations to unique Red Bull-sponsored events. The judging panel included Aaron Colton, a professional motorcycle stunt performer and Red Bull athlete.

Colton served as one of three judges for the event. He explained that creativity accounted for more than half of the final score. He noted that some teams assembled their carts that same morning, while others had spent weeks on their projects. Colton also identified the puzzle as the great equalizer. The other judges were Kayla Ruedebusch, a Madison-based creator and professional foil athlete, and Jay Wanserski, the owner of Wando's and Jay's Bar. Ruedebusch stated that the show and creative elements distinguished this race from others.

Some participants were new to the competition. Team Super Badgers, one of the few all-freshman entries, was surprised when their application was accepted. Teammate Brennan Schumann said a friend had filled out the application for them. The next day, his friend informed them that they had been selected. Madison served as the fifth stop on Red Bull's nine-stop chariot race tour. The tour primarily visits college towns, according to the company's website.

Jada Cerniglia, a University of Wisconsin-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 friends and family of competitors, prospective students visiting the campus, and Madison residents. Spectator Tohnie, a University of Wisconsin-Madison alum who once lived on Langdon Street, said, I love coming back to my home-away-from-home.