While Friday’s Indianapolis 500 Carb Day practice is in jeopardy due to rain forecasts, the event many will be in attendance for is still on. Whether it rains or not, the Wienie 500 will go down at 2 p.m. on Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“The Oscar Mayer and IMS teams will work closely to ensure safe conditions for the Wienie 500,” IMS said in a statement to IndyStar. “The Wienermobiles can run on a damp track if conditions allow.”
In its second year, the two-lap, five-mile Wienie 500 has already become an event fans relish. Oscar Meyer’s Hot Doggers will compete to see who can do two laps around the oval the fastest and who needs to ketchup. This year’s race will be shown live on Fox.
Last year, Slaw Dog won the race after Chicago Dog started in the pole position. This year’s race has six dogs fighting for the win as they represent different regions. Slaw Dog (Southeast), Chi Dog (Midwest), New York Dog (East), Chili Dog (South), Seattle Dog (Northwest) and Corn Dog (National) will fight for the right to become just the second Wienie 500 champion.
National Weather Service predicts an 80% chance of rain in Speedway on Friday, but unlike Indy cars on ovals, the Wienermobiles have rain tires. Lightning in the area could change whether the race occurs on time, but a little drizzle won’t stop the show from determining a wiener.
Watch the Wienie 500 on Fox One
6 Wienermobiles will compete in 2026 Wienie 500
The following Wienermobiles inspired by regional hot dogs will compete in the 2026 Wienie 500:
Wienermobiles that didn’t make the final cut include Puka Dog (Hawaii), Plain Dog, Idaho Dog, Ripper Dog (New Jersey), Sonoran Dog (Arizona) and Denver Dog.
How you can stream the Wienie 500 live on Carb Day
Race fans and frankfurter fans alike can watch the 2nd Annual Wienie 500 live starting at 2 p.m. Friday, May 22, on Fox and the Fox One app, which offers a free trial.
According to a Kraft-Heinz news release, viewers will be able to cast votes for the winner via Instacart. Follow the action live on Friday at IndyStar.com.
Zion Brown is IndyStar’s motorsports reporter. Follow him at @z10nbr0wn. Get IndyStar’s motor sports coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Motor Sports newsletter. Subscribe to the YouTube channel IndyStar TV: IndyCar for a behind-the-scenes look at IndyCar and expert analysis.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Rain or shine, fans can relish the Wienie 500 race at IMS on Carb Day
Reporting by Zion Brown and Katie Wiseman, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
