Indianapolis 500 Set to Rev Up with Return of Oscar Mayer Wienie 500 Spectacle in 2026
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is gearing up for its most anticipated marketing event, the Oscar Mayer Wienie 500, which will make a highly-anticipated return at the 110th Indianapolis 500 on Carb Day, May 22nd, 2026. The spectacle has become an integral part of the Memorial Day weekend celebration, drawing millions of fans to the speedway.
For the second consecutive year, six Wienermobiles will take center stage in a battle for the title of Top Dog, with last year's winner, Slaw Dog (Southeast), looking to defend its crown. The competition will feature four returning regional hot dogs: Chi Dog (Midwest), New York Dog (East), Chili Dog (South), and Seattle Dog (Northwest). Meanwhile, the disappointing Sonoran Dog has been relegated from the competition, leaving a spot open for a new challenger.
To generate buzz around the event, Oscar Mayer is launching an Instagram campaign called "Pick Your Dog" where fans can cast their vote in a bracket to choose from seven new regional hot dogs or give Sonoran Dog another shot at qualifying. Kelsey Rice, brand communications director at Oscar Mayer, emphasized that the company heard fan feedback loud and clear: they wanted more of the Wienie 500 experience.
To make this year's event even bigger and bolder, the organizers are introducing amplified engagement, intensified rivalries, and surprise elements to create an unparalleled live experience for fans. The return of beloved traditions like custom Wienermobile decals, Hotdogger racing suits, the iconic "Wiener Song" anthem, and trophy presentation at the "Wieners Circle" podium – complete with a mustard spray and Borg-Wiener trophy – will add to the excitement.
The Wienie 500 is set to kick off the Indianapolis 500's celebration of summer, which promises to be just as electrifying. With millions of hot dogs consumed over Memorial Day weekend, the stakes are high for this year's event. Will new regional hot dogs make their mark on the competition?
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is gearing up for its most anticipated marketing event, the Oscar Mayer Wienie 500, which will make a highly-anticipated return at the 110th Indianapolis 500 on Carb Day, May 22nd, 2026. The spectacle has become an integral part of the Memorial Day weekend celebration, drawing millions of fans to the speedway.
For the second consecutive year, six Wienermobiles will take center stage in a battle for the title of Top Dog, with last year's winner, Slaw Dog (Southeast), looking to defend its crown. The competition will feature four returning regional hot dogs: Chi Dog (Midwest), New York Dog (East), Chili Dog (South), and Seattle Dog (Northwest). Meanwhile, the disappointing Sonoran Dog has been relegated from the competition, leaving a spot open for a new challenger.
To generate buzz around the event, Oscar Mayer is launching an Instagram campaign called "Pick Your Dog" where fans can cast their vote in a bracket to choose from seven new regional hot dogs or give Sonoran Dog another shot at qualifying. Kelsey Rice, brand communications director at Oscar Mayer, emphasized that the company heard fan feedback loud and clear: they wanted more of the Wienie 500 experience.
To make this year's event even bigger and bolder, the organizers are introducing amplified engagement, intensified rivalries, and surprise elements to create an unparalleled live experience for fans. The return of beloved traditions like custom Wienermobile decals, Hotdogger racing suits, the iconic "Wiener Song" anthem, and trophy presentation at the "Wieners Circle" podium – complete with a mustard spray and Borg-Wiener trophy – will add to the excitement.
The Wienie 500 is set to kick off the Indianapolis 500's celebration of summer, which promises to be just as electrifying. With millions of hot dogs consumed over Memorial Day weekend, the stakes are high for this year's event. Will new regional hot dogs make their mark on the competition?
i'm really excited to see the return of those adorable Wienermobiles and all the crazy costumes they'll be rocking. i hope the new regional hot dogs are as awesome as everyone is hoping for, but honestly who can compete with a classic like Slaw Dog? 
can't wait to tune in next May and get my vote in on Instagram! 
it's just something that brings people together and puts a smile on our faces.
. Who thought it was a good idea to bring back a bunch of Wienermobiles racing around a track in the middle of May? It's just gonna be a bunch of hot air (pun intended) with some tired old traditions trying to make a comeback. And don't even get me started on the new regional hot dogs - how about they come up with something original for once instead of just regurgitating the same old names and styles? The whole thing feels like a total publicity stunt to me, just to get people to buy more hot dogs...
The new regional hot dogs better bring their A-game or they'll be toast 
. And can we talk about the Wienermobiles?! They're like the ultimate symbol of summer fun & nostalgia! I'm low-key hoping Sonoran Dog gets another chance, but idk, maybe it's time 4 a new challenger 
. Whoever wins tho, I'll be cheering from my couch with a bun in hand 
. I'm actually kinda excited to see which new regional hot dogs will make it into the competition 
.
. Like, people are really getting on board with the whole thing and making a big deal out of it 
. And honestly, who am I to begrudge them that? It's all about bringing people together, right? 
i hope those new regional hot dogs bring some fire to the competition cant wait to see what kind of drama ensues when slaw dog tries to defend its crown 
like who doesn't love watching hot dog racers zoom around in tiny suits? i'm low-key kinda rooting for the new regional dogs to take the title, but i got friends from each region cheering on their faves too 
it's always so entertaining. I think what's cool about the Wienie 500 is how they're involving fans in the process by launching that "Pick Your Dog" campaign 
. Sonoran Dog might be out, but who knows, maybe they'll make a comeback 
It's going to be lit with all the familiar fun like custom Wienermobile decals and Hotdogger racing suits. But, I gotta ask, what's up with the Sonoran Dog being benched? 
. I mean, who doesn't love hot dogs and cars? And the fact that they're bringing back some old-school traditions like the "Wiener Song" anthem is pretty awesome 
. But seriously, it's all about creating a fun experience for the fans, right? And if people want to vote on their favorite regional hot dog, more power to 'em 
anyway i think its gonna be lit with all these new regional hot dogs enterin the mix and the Wienermobile battles sound so turnt up!!! 
... and that's what makes it so special... not just about hot dogs (although, let's be real, those wieners are pretty cool