INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – A beloved childhood character will take center stage at one of NASCAR’s most iconic races this weekend. Cookie Monster, the cookie-loving blue Muppet from Sesame Street, has been officially named grand marshal for the Brickyard 400, returning July 27–28 to Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The fuzzy figure will deliver the classic command — “Drivers, start your engines!” — just before the green flag drops on the 160-lap race. His appearance is part of a larger partnership between Sesame Street and NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace for a cross-country children’s initiative.
“Bring the whole family out for a cookie break as we welcome Sesame Street’s Cookie Monster to IMS,” said Doug Boles, president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, in a statement shared by Speedcafe.
Sesame Street’s Road Trip With Bubba Wallace
The announcement marks the kickoff of Sesame Street’s “Road Trip Across America”, a new initiative aiming to bring communities together and spread the show’s message of kindness, strength, and education to children nationwide.
The tour, which begins at Indianapolis, will include appearances at state fairs, ballparks, and NASCAR events throughout the country — all supported by an active social media campaign connecting with families and fans of all ages.
“For over 55 years, Sesame Street has been reaching and teaching children,” said Aaron Bisman, senior VP of marketing at Sesame Workshop. “Now we’re bringing that magic to hometowns across the country.”
NASCAR’s History with Sesame Street
This isn’t the first time Sesame Street has made its mark on motorsports. In 1993, Elmo waved the green flag at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and in 2014, Gonzo served as grand marshal at Auto Club Speedway.
The Brickyard 400, which originally ran on the oval from 1994 through 2020, was briefly moved to the road course before returning to its traditional format last year. Kyle Larson of Hendrick Motorsports won the 2024 race under the new Next Gen car rules.
Will you be tuning in for Cookie Monster’s big NASCAR debut? Let us know what other childhood icons you’d like to see at major events — share your thoughts at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com!
