The “Wienie 500” may not have broken speed records, but it easily won the title of most delicious spectacle in racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Carb Day Friday afternoon.
Six Oscar Mayer hot dog-shaped wienermobiles traveled across the country to compete in their first race ever. Organizers said it had been over a decade since they’ve all been at the same venue.
All the U.S. regions were represented including the Chili Dog for the South, Chi Dog for the Midwest, New York Dog for the East, Slaw Dog for the Southeast, Seattle Dog for the Northwest and Sonoran Dog for the Southwest.
Bridget Berens, also known as hotdogger BBQ Bridget, was one of the drivers of the Chili Dog. She said it was the perfect way to end her year driving a Weinermobile.
“They told us that we were going to participate in the first ever ‘Wienie 500,’ and honestly, my jaw was on the floor,” Berens said. “We were all so excited to, you know, make history today, and we got out there on the track, and it was truly smiles across everybody’s faces.”
The iconic vehicles mustard up some speed for two laps around the 2.5-mile track, reaching top speeds of about 40 mph. In the final stretch, Slaw Dog was able to make a final pass against Chi Dog and took the checkered flag. Afterward, the winners headed to the ‘Wiener’s Circle’ to receive a trophy to commemorate their win.
“I was hauling buns out there, but Slaw Dog was able to catch up and came out top dog,” said Kaitlyn Goldstein, Corn Dog Kait, one of the drivers of Chi Dog.
Among those disappointed in Chi Dog’s narrow loss was Indianapolis Speedway resident Dontraelle Johnson who was rooting for the Midwest favorite.
“That was a little sad,” Johnson said. “I was like, ‘No, why did they lose?’ Like we were that close. But it made it interesting. I will say that.”
Despite the outcome, Johnson said it was a highlight to her day at the track.
“I loved it,” she said. “It was different because I’m not someone who normally watches the race, so having that was like a main attraction. That was really fun. I was not expecting it. They should do it again.”
While Goldstein’s hotdogger days are approaching expiration, she would like to see the race become a part of the Indy 500 traditions.
“I hope we can keep this going,” Goldstein said. “It was a lot of fun for all of us. I think everyone else that was watching from here, from home, really enjoyed it. So hope we can keep the dogs out there for years to come.”
The inaugural “Wienie 500” will be broadcast Sunday in the pre-race show ahead of the 109th running of the Indy 500.
Contact WFYI All Things Considered newscaster and reporter Samantha Horton at shorton@wfyi.org or on Signal at SamHorton.05.
