More than 20 teams deployed custom-built chariots and 30-second opening skits on Langdon Street for the Red Bull Chariot Race in downtown Madison, WKOW reported. The event featured head-to-head heats combining speed, design, and theatrical entertainment.
Teams Race Custom Chariots Down Langdon Street
The competition required participating groups to pull their themed chariots down a course, execute a rider switch, and complete a puzzle before racing back. Aaron Colton, who was at the event, noted the variety of interests involved.
“We have over 20 teams that are going to be going head to head, pulling their themed chariot with their rider down and back down the street here,” Colton told WKOW. Designs ranged from artistic displays to engineering-focused builds.
Scoring Speed, Design, and Performance
Judges evaluated each entry across three distinct criteria, splitting points evenly among speed, craft and design, and the opening skit. Teams used the initial 30 seconds of their appearance to introduce their narrative or visual theme before the racing began.
“If it’s engineering, if it’s art, if it’s just a fun theme to have, and we’re going to race them all head to head all afternoon,” Colton explained regarding the breadth of entries.
Madison Revives the Chariot Competition
The Red Bull Chariot Race in Madison dates back as early as 2010. After a hiatus, the event has continued to gain momentum in recent years.
“It’s been an ongoing thing. It’s been gaining steam, and definitely all the community that participates in has been loving it,” Colton said. He added that the turnout was on point as crowds gathered along Langdon Street to watch the heats.
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