In breaking news, The Associated Press has recently reported that The Wienie 500 is back for seconds. After a successful debut at the Indianapolis 500, Oscar Mayer has announced that the full line of Wienermobiles will be competing ahead of the famed race on May 22, 2026. These include the Chi Dog (representing the Midwest), New York Dog (East), Chili Dog (South), and the Seattle Dog (Northwest).
The Wienermobile has been a part of Oscar Meyer’s history since 1936 and was created by Carl G. Mayer, Oscar’s nephew. The initial vehicle made its debut appearance in Janesville, Wisconsin on October 16, 1936. To add to the spectacle, the hot dog car had a traveling companion: “Little Oscar”. The “World’s Smallest Chef” who stood tall at just 42 inches.
Over the years the Wienermobile has also had many facelifts. Some say it’s been addiction. After being scrapped for metal to aid the U.S. Army during World War II, it was reborn using a Dodge chassis. Since that time, this frank has been served atop other chassis made by Jeep, Chevrolet, Pontiac, GMC and RAM. Even a mini version was created in 2008 using a MINI Cooper.
Today, there are six Wienermobiles driven and supported by a team of Hotdoggers. Each year the company scouts out for people who “have an appetite for adventure”. Successful candidates travel traveling across the country for 12 months making stops at radio stations, grocery store promotions, charity functions and more. Oscar Mayer is taking applications for people wanting to be part of the pack.
Want to see a Wienermobile in person? You can track one down on the Oscar Mayer website which posts the whereabouts of all six vehicles. As for this year’s Wienie 500, Kelsey Rice, Oscar Mayer brand communications promises to present “an unparalleled live experience that will leave [fans] craving more.”
Main Image: The Chi Dog Weinermobile appearing in 2025’s Indy 500 Parade (Mobilus In Mobili/Wikimedia Commons)
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