From Wienie 500 at Carb Day to Fever roster moves: A packed weekend in Indy
IMS is buzzing ahead of the Indy 500, the Fever add Grace VanSlooten, and Metta World Peace compares Caitlin Clark to Steph Curry.
Good afternoon and welcome back to Fieldhouse Files. After a Fever-heavy few days, I’m returning to the classic notebook format today.
In Indianapolis, there’s no better weekend than race weekend.
I’m writing this from the media center at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where preparations are complete for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday. Despite concerns about rain throughout the weekend, drivers were able to complete the final two-hour practice session on Friday.
A number of celebrities will be part of the festivities on Sunday.
Jordin Sparks will sing the national anthem, Caitlin Clark will serve as Grand Marshal and give the command for drivers to start their engines, and IU football coach Curt Cignetti will drive the Chevrolet pace car.
The grandstands and official parking have already sold out, and the local blackout on FOX59 has been lifted. We’re ready to go for another race.
One of the more entertaining additions to Carb Day returned Friday afternoon: the Wienie 500.
For the second straight year, Oscar Mayer brought six 27-foot-long Wienermobiles to the track for a novelty race that has quickly become a fan favorite. Each vehicle had its own identity — including Chi Dog, New York Dog, and Corn Dog — and the crowd loved every minute of it.
Even big FOX aired it live and leaned fully into the absurdity of it all. Using the same announcers from the Indianapolis 500 broadcast made the race even better, with the commentary crew delivering nonstop jokes and energy throughout.
Oscar Mayer deserves a lot of credit too. The marketing campaign around the race has been brilliant. Everywhere you looked Friday, fans were dressed as hot dogs or carrying hot dog memorabilia.
They were all-in on the puns.
New York Dog took the checkered flag and boos came down from the stands. That dog was not a fan favorite.
Coming up on Saturday, Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard of the Pacers will serve as Grand Marshals for the 500 Festival Parade. The Pacemates are also involved.
Former Pacer Scot Pollard served as Grand Marshal last year, while Tamika Catchings held the role in 2024.
The parade begins at noon ET from downtown Indianapolis.
Also of note:
Fever Fill Open Roster Spot
The Fever signed 6-foot-3 forward Grace VanSlooten — a third-round 2026 pick of the Seattle Storm. She fills the roster spot that was created after they waived guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough on Thursday.
The move gives Indiana additional size in the frontcourt, something the roster needed.
