SouthernWorldwide.com – Prestige, entertainment, and life-changing opportunities are synonymous with the iconic 2.5-mile track and one of the biggest motorsports events in the world. However, this applies to the hot dog-based motorsports world.
The second edition of the Wienie 500 took place on Friday afternoon. While the sun was not fully out, the buns certainly were.
“We’re OK with soggy buns,” Corn Dog driver, Trey O’Shea, also known as Tailgate Trey, told us. Fortunately, the only thing raining was mustard when New York Dog crossed the finish line.
Six Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles competed on the iconic 2.5-mile track on Friday afternoon. The event, a fun and exciting second edition of the Wienie 500, was attended by many fans dressed as hot dogs.
The Wienermobiles represent different regions of the U.S.: Chi Dog (Midwest), New York Dog (East), Chili Dog (South), Seattle Dog (Northwest), and Slaw Dog (Southeast). They were joined by a fan-selected Corn Dog, representing the entire country.
These six vehicles are rarely together, as they travel across the country throughout the year. The Wienie 500 brought them all together as a prelude to Sunday’s 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
To be frank, the “hotdoggers” – the Wienermobile drivers and spotters – knew it would be challenging to catch up to and unseat the reigning champion, Slaw Dog.
However, they managed to achieve this, with New York Dog holding onto its lead and emerging as the top dog, claiming all the glory in the “Wiener’s Circle” with the “Borg-Wiener Trophy.”
“It was fun,” said Andy Richter, the “Commander in Beef,” in the Wiener’s Circle. “I picked Corn Dog, and they came in last. But they are the new ones, so I like the underdog, no pun intended – this is the punniest place I’ve ever been. If you talk to any of those drivers, it’s nonstop puns.”
Here are our key takeaways from the 2026 Wienie 500:
The two-lap race might seem like a sprint compared to the 200-lap Indy 500, but there was still plenty of action. It began with Chi Dog nearly running Seattle Dog off the track.
Slaw Dog took an early lead, followed by Chi Dog, Chili Dog, Corn Dog, New York Dog, and Seattle Dog. However, the defending champion’s advantage was short-lived.
On the second 2.5-mile lap, racing three-wide, Chili Dog, Chi Dog, and New York Dog were almost indistinguishable in a heated battle for the lead. Ultimately, New York Dog surged ahead and maintained its position for a mustard-filled celebration in the Wiener’s Circle.
“There’s no way to describe it,” said New York Dog driver Camila Fowler, also known as Cook ‘Em Cam, afterward. “No words. At the end of the day, we were a team, we were ready for anything, and just happy to be here and happy to do it for New York.”
The Wienermobiles kept the excitement high, proving that three-wide racing is captivating in any form.
Perhaps the New York Dog crew of hotdoggers picked up some tips and tricks from the professionals. For the second edition of the Wienie 500, INDYCAR drivers Scott McLaughlin, Nolan Siegel, and Sting Ray Robb coached the hotdoggers, offering advice on handling the IMS oval. They also observed from a coaching booth during the race.
“Tastes like victory,” shouted New York Dog spotter Jack Cupit, also known as Jack and Cheese, while devouring a hot dog in the Wiener’s Circle. He did not know the team’s top speed, only that it was “faster than second.”
Here are the complete results from the 2026 Wienie 500:
As the winner of the inaugural Wienie 500 last year, Slaw Dog enjoyed bragging rights and the glizzy glam life. It had a chance to defend its title late in the race but perhaps savored last year’s victory a bit too much.
Finishing third, Slaw Dog’s aero-dognamics might not have been optimal. After the three-wide maneuver that propelled New York Dog to the front, Slaw Dog appeared to have an opportunity to draft behind the leader.
However, third place is still a respectable outcome. Not the worst, but not the best.
The Corn Dog was a new addition to the 2026 Wienie 500, and it deserves a permanent spot in the starting lineup. Replacing the Sonoran Dog, fans voted in a “Pick Your Dog” bracket to include the Corn Dog, complete with a stick in its rear.
“Last year, Sonoran Dog had smoked buns – did not cut the mustard – so they actually relegated that name,” Corn Dog driver Trey O’Shea, a.k.a. Tailgate Trey, told us before the race.
“They’re 27 feet long, and we have an extra six feet on the back here,” he added. “So knowing how to maneuver it can be challenging. That’s why we have two people. Four eyes on the road at all times.”
What else could be added to the Wienie 500 lineup? Naturally, it would likely have to be a genuine Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, but what about a Coney Dog, kielbasa, bratwurst, or Italian sausage?
The Indy 500 is serious business. For some drivers and teams, it is the only INDYCAR race they compete in all year, dedicating the entire calendar to preparing for race day. Losing is heartbreaking, but winning the Indy 500 is truly life-changing. With heightened emotions, pressure, and stakes, the Month of May is all about business for competitors.
This is why the Wienie 500 serves as a delightful respite and a welcome highlight of Carb Day at IMS.
Where else can you witness a fleet of Wienermobiles racing around a legendary 117-year-old track? This serves as the amuse-bouche to the Indy 500, where drivers regularly exceed 200 miles per hour.
It is an excellent addition to Carb Day’s lineup, which has historically focused on the final Indy 500 practice, the Pit Stop Competition, and concerts for fans. However, the Wienie 500 provides incredible entertainment, and it is hoped that IMS and Oscar Mayer will continue this race for a long time.
The main course.
The 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, at 12:30 p.m. ET, with Alex Palou leading the field to the green flag. The pre-race broadcast will commence at 10 a.m. ET, followed by The Greatest Spectacle in Racing, both of which can be viewed on FOX or streamed on FOX One.
