Hot dog history is set to repeat itself at the Brickyard this May, with Oscar Mayer confirming its famous fleet of Wienermobiles will once again roll onto the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a playful showdown during race week.
All six road-legal Wienermobiles are locked in to take part in the Wienie 500, returning for a second year after last year’s novelty race proved a massive crowd-pleaser. The event will take place on May 22, as part of the Speedway’s Carburation Day celebrations, just days before the Indianapolis 500.
Following the success of the inaugural race, organisers decided fans deserved another serving of the tongue-in-cheek contest, which adds a dash of humour to one of motorsport’s most iconic weekends.
Much of the spectacle will feel familiar. Each vehicle will again be themed around a regional American hot-dog style, complete with custom graphics. Drivers will suit up in classic Hotdogger outfits, the legendary “Wiener Song” will echo around the track, and the winner will cruise into the so-called “wiener’s circle.”
Last year’s champion, Slaw Dog, representing the Southeast, will be back to defend its title. Other returning favourites include Chi Dog from the Midwest, New York Dog from the East, Chili Dog from the South, and Seattle Dog from the Pacific Northwest.
One slot, however, is up for grabs. The Sonoran Dog may miss out after falling short in 2025, with fans invited to decide the final competitor through a social media vote. A shortlist of seven contenders will be put to the public via Instagram in the first ever “Pick Your Dog” bracket, with updates also shared on TikTok.
Oscar Mayer’s brand communications director, Kelsey Rice, said the overwhelming response to last year’s race made the decision easy.
“Fans told us they wanted more, and we listened,” she said. “This year we’re turning things up — bigger moments, stronger rivalries and more ways for fans to get involved. It’s all about creating a live experience that’s bold, memorable, and just plain fun.”
