Langdon Street Chariot Race: Non-Student Team Beats 23 Rivals for $1,500

A group of four Madison men who are not university students claimed the top prize in the Red Bull Chariot Race on Oct. 17. The team, which competed under the name Fast and Fatherly, defeated 23 other crews in front of a crowd exceeding 3,000 people on Langdon Street. The winners collected a $1,500 cash prize and 60 cases of Red Bull.

The victors met through a local church group rather than a campus club. Three of the four men are new fathers, while the fourth identified as a soon-to-be dad. Their entry was a custom-built cart designed to resemble a baby crib, decorated with toys belonging to their children. Sam Peterson, a member of the winning crew, told The Daily Cardinal that the competition proved much more difficult than anticipated. He raced while wearing a baby carrier that held a doll. Teammate Micah Palmer, who dressed as an infant, said he hoped their children would learn that one can humiliate oneself and still enjoy the experience.

The event required participants to build carts, perform a skit, and race in head-to-head matchups. The 24 teams were paired into 12 races starting near Memorial Union. At the turnaround point on Lake Street, racers had to solve a Red Bull Puzzle and switch positions before returning to the start line. Judging criteria included construction quality, creativity, and the pre-race performance. Red Bull provided each team with $200 to cover building costs.

The Eagle Has Landed took second place after a patriotic routine that featured a choreographed lift. Senior Joe Jaroski, who dressed as Uncle Sam, said he and teammate Erin Kelly spent hours preparing the maneuver. Matt Kleist noted that the race provided a memorable experience for their senior year. Grouchiator Maximus finished third, edging out Minion Mayos. The third-place team had approximately 30 supporters dressed as Minions on the sidelines. The top two teams also qualified for unique Red Bull-sponsored events.

Aaron Colton, a professional motorcycle stunt performer and Red Bull athlete, served as one of three judges. He stated that creativity accounted for more than half of the scoring, noting that some teams built their carts that morning while others worked for weeks. Colton 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 in the series.

Some participants were first-time entrants. Team Super Badgers, one of the few all-freshman groups, was surprised when their application was accepted. Teammate Brennan Schumann said a friend submitted the form and informed them of their selection the next day. 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 for the first time. Colton had previously judged the race in two other locations.

Spectators included family members, prospective students, and local residents. Tohnie, a UW-Madison alum who previously lived on Langdon Street, said she enjoys returning to what she considers her home away from home.