Team Luigi Reigns Supreme in MIX 101.5’s KBS Kup 2

The rematch was on for the return of MIX 101.5’s KBS Kup on Saturday, September 28, 2023. Team Mario, Princess Peach or Team Luigi – captained by MIX Mornings’ Kyle Smelser, Sarah King & Bryan Lord, respectively – went tricycle to tricycle at William Peace University in downtown Raleigh to determine the 2.0 victor.

Why did WRAL-FM bring the fan favorite back for a second spin? Grudge match, maybe?

“We decided to host KBS Kup Pt. 2 because Bryan was mad, he lost!” said WRAL-FM Promotions Director Brianna Fletcher. “His bike was broken last year, and he claims that is why he lost the first race. Maybe he was right after all?”

MIX KBS Kup 2 — Team Luigi for the win! The KBS Kup Race 2.0 took place on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at William Peace University in downtown Raleigh, featuring MIX Mornings hosts Bryan, Sarah & Kyle as captains for Team Luigi, Team Princess Peach and Team Mario.

The trio each had 2 team members and ran 3 races relay-style to determine the victor.

“Listen….it’s not about ME winning the race,” said Lord. “It’s not about ME hoisting the trophy in a moment that can only be described as “pure ecstasy”. It’s about Kyle’s face being destroyed by a purple powder cannon. Shout out to [WRAL-FM Account Executive] Jim Moran for the kill shot. It was because of that moment that Team Luigi was able to win race #3 and thus the KBS Kup!”

Smelser had a different take on the “fun.”

“I’m so thankful Bryan AKA Team Luigi won,” quipped Smelser. “We can finally stop hearing him complain how our initial race was rigged. No doubt I would’ve won if my brake lines weren’t blown, the hay bales weren’t in my way and most importantly, if I didn’t take a purple powder cannon to the face…”

*WRAL-FM’s Kyle Smelser, Team Mario captain, takes a purple powder cannon to the face at the KBS Kup Race 2.0 on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at William Peace University in downtown Raleigh.*

King won the first KBS Kup title last year in the inaugural race.

“We had a blast on Saturday!” said King. “Honestly, I didn’t want to let the Team Peach fans down. I wanted to bring the trophy home not only for them, but to put Bryan in his place. We gave it our all, but in the end we came in second. No shame here. I am proud of my team!”

Two members of the WRAL-TV Morning News team got in on the fun this round. WRAL-TV Anchor/Reporter Renee Chou donned a pink gown to join Team Princess Peach, and WRAL-TV Anchor/Reporter Brian Shrader jumped on the trike for Team Luigi.

“All in all, an adrenaline rush!” Chou posted on social media after the race. “Those radio folks sure know how to have a FUN time.”

Team Princess Peach celebrates placing second at the KBS Kup Race 2.0 on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at William Peace University in downtown Raleigh.. WRAL-FM’s Sarah King (aka Princess Peach, center) led her team of WRAL-TV’s Renee Chou (right) & a MIX listener.

Shrader brought his traffic reporting skills experience to Team Luigi.

“There’s no question that the parking lot course around William Peace University was like racing around a smaller version of the Beltline,” he said. “Sixteen years of watching traffic cameras on WRAL’s morning news prepared me for almost everything they threw at me (except the powder cannons).”

The traffic guru hilariously summed up the experience.

“It was the proudest moment of my life – dressed in an ill-fitting costume, doing tricycle laps on the bubble-juice-slickened pavement and being one-third of the winning team. Where do I go from here?!” said Shrader.

Bryan Lord & Edy — Winner! WRAL-FM’s Bryan Lord, Team Luigi captain, celebrates victory, with his daughter, Edy, at the KBS Kup Race 2.0 on Saturday, September 28, 2023, at William Peace University in downtown Raleigh.

He continued, “Elizabeth Gardner was on Sarah’s team last year and raved about how much fun it was. Kyle asked if I wanted to participate this year, and I immediately jumped at the chance to join Bryan’s team. He misspells his first name, but that’s OK. We were able to work together and seal the victory.”

The Bryan with the misspelled name is thankful for her co-Luigis.

“Love to my incredible teammates Brian Shrader and Jeremy Savill,” said Lord. “Brian bravely woke up before 10am on a Saturday. Jeremy left his wife and two children behind at a kid’s birthday party. They proved once again that glory doesn’t come without risk.”

Last year Lord called foul because of a broken bike. This year Fletcher mentioned a new potential red flag.

“One of Sarah’s brakes fell off by the end of the race…how convenient….” posited Fletcher.

Was it sabotage? The legend continues…

The MIX Team once again pulled off the feat that is the KBS Kup yet again. New location, some new team members for the captains, but the same fun and teamwork that is indicative of the CBC Radio team.

“It all ran so smoothly on Saturday thanks to all the people who jumped in to help setting the track up,” said Fletcher. “It was not a small task.”

Thanks to WRAL-FM for these CapCom photos & video.

Thanks to WRAL-FM’s Brianna Fletcher & WRAL-FM’s Bryan Lord for these CapCom photos.