Crib Cart Crew Beats 23 Rivals for Red Bull Prize in Madison

A race that pairs homemade carts with a puzzle at the midpoint drew more than 3,000 spectators to Langdon Street on Oct. 17, the fifth stop on a nine-stop tour that runs mainly through college towns.

Four Madison men who met through a church group took first place, beating 23 other teams. Their entry, named "Fast and Fatherly," carried no college students; three of the four are new fathers and the fourth calls himself a "hopefully-soon-to-be dad." They built their chariot to resemble a baby crib and hung their children's toys on it. The team collected $1,500 and 60 cases of Red Bull. Sam Peterson competed in a baby carrier with a baby doll inside. "This was so much harder than I thought it was going to be," Peterson said after the race. Teammate Micah Palmer, who dressed as a baby, said he hopes their children learn "that you can humiliate yourself and still have a good time." The three fathers said they plan to spend the winnings on a family vacation.

The 24 teams were split into 12 head-to-head heats that began outside Memorial Union. At the Lake Street turnaround, racers had to solve a Red Bull Puzzle, switch positions, and race back. Judges also scored chariot construction, creativity, and a pre-race skit. Red Bull gave each team $200 toward building costs.

"The Eagle Has Landed" placed second after a patriotic skit that included a choreographed lift. Senior Joe Jaroski, who dressed as Uncle Sam and competes on the Wisconsin cheer team, said he spent hours rehearsing the lift with senior Erin Kelly. "Grouchiator Maximus" took third, ahead of "Minion Mayos," which drew about 30 supporters in Minion costumes. The two runners-up receive Red Bull-sponsored events.

Aaron Colton, a professional motorcycle stunt performer, judged the race with Kayla Ruedebusch and Jay Wanserski. Colton said creativity made up more than half of the scoring and called the puzzle "the great equalizer." He noted some teams built carts that morning while others worked for weeks. Ruedebusch said the show and creative elements set this event apart from others. Colton has judged the race in three locations, including Madison.

Some entrants were new to the race. "Team Super Badgers," one of the few all-freshman entries, was surprised its application was accepted. Teammate Brennan Schumann said a friend filled it out and told them the next day they had been selected. The event was hosted by UW-Madison volleyball alumna Jada Cerniglia and Milwaukee comedian Tommy Violet, both making their first appearance at a Red Bull event.