Indianapolis 500 Relishes Return Of The Oscar Mayer Wienie 500 In 2026

The bun-to-bun finish to last year’s Oscar Mayer Wienie 500 during Carb Day at the Indianapolis 500 in 2025. The popular race returns to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2026.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway photo

Perhaps the greatest spectacle in marketing and promotion returns to the Indianapolis 500, known as the “Greatest Spectacle In Racing” for the second time in 2026. It’s the Oscar-Mayer Wienie 500, a race featuring six Wienermobiles that became a viral sensation during Carb Day before the 109^th Indianapolis 500 in 2025.

The Wienermobiles are back, doing battle on the world’s most famous race course on Carb Day for the 110^th Indianapolis 500.

This year’s Wienie 500 will follow the final practice session before the Indianapolis 500 on Carb Day, May 22, 2026.

The Indianapolis 500 serves is the centerpiece sporting event on Memorial Day Weekend and serves as the unofficial kickoff to summer with 72 million hot dogs consumed over the holiday. The Wienie 500 connects the famed Oscar Mayer Wiener with the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway – home of the Indianapolis 500.

Selling nearly half a million more wieners last year, the spectacle drew 85,000 fans in the stands at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and 8 million more watched the “Dog Eat Dog battle” via livestream. Revving up for its second lap, the race will feature the full fleet of six Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles, competing for the title of Top Dog – this year with a new live nationwide broadcast and the chance for fans to get in on the action.

Wienie 500 Facts And Figures

With each Wienermobile named after a regional hot dog, millions rallied behind their favorites – but it was Slaw Dog that secured last year’s victory. This year, Slaw Dog (Southeast) is back to defend its title along with Chi Dog (Midwest), New York Dog (East), Chili Dog (South) and Seattle Dog (Northwest).

Following a disappointing performance, the Sonoran Dog is officially relegated due to not cutting the mustard, leaving a spot open for a new regional dog to enter the competition.

Starting January 25, race lovers can visit @Wienermobile on Instagram to cast their vote in the first-ever ‘Pick Your Dog’ Wienie 500 bracket where they can choose from a fresh lineup of seven new regional hot dogs or opt to give Sonoran Dog another shot at qualifying.

“The response to the first Wienie 500 was overwhelming, and we heard the fans loud and clear that they were hungry for more,” said Kelsey Rice, brand communications director at Oscar Mayer. “This year, we’re supercharging the experience, delivering an even bigger, bolder and more unforgettable event that puts the fans at the forefront. With amplified engagement, intensified rivalries and more surprises in store, we’re giving the people what they want – an unparalleled live experience that will leave them craving more.”

Wienie 500 Traditions Return To A Race Track Built on Tradition

Many of the beloved traditions from the inaugural Wienie 500 are back for this year’s race, including custom Wienermobile decals, Hotdogger racing suits, the iconic “Wiener Song” anthem and finally, the trophy presentation at the “Wieners Circle” podium—complete with a mustard spray and Borg-Wiener trophy.

It’s all part of an experience that Oscar Mayer and the Indianapolis 500 have teamed up to create a viral moment on the track, and in marketing the iconic race with the iconic hot dog brand in the Wienie 500.