Cookie Monster to Serve as Grand Marshal for Brickyard 400 at IMS
INDIANAPOLIS – J. Douglas Boles, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), has announced that Cookie Monster from Sesame Street will be the grand marshal for the Brickyard 400, taking place on July 27. This event marks an exciting collaboration between the iconic character and the world of NASCAR, aimed at promoting inclusivity.
Cookie Monster will fulfill his duties by delivering the “drivers, start your engines” command, engaging fans and fostering a family-friendly atmosphere at the historic 2.5-mile oval. Boles emphasized the importance of the event in bringing families together, stating, “Bring the whole family out for a cookie break as we welcome Cookie Monster.”
The Brickyard 400 is not just a race; it’s the kickoff of the Sesame Street campaign, "Road Trip Across America," which aims to spread messages of learning and laughter. Aaron Bisman, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Sesame Workshop, remarked, “For over 55 years, Sesame Street has been reaching and teaching children. What better way to extend this than by bringing Sesame Street to where our young fans are?”
In addition to the Brickyard 400, the campaign includes appearances at other events, such as a Sesame Street-themed day at Miller Park with the Milwaukee Brewers on July 25.
The NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 presented by PPG is set to begin at 2:00 PM ET on Sunday, and children under 15 can enter free with the purchase of an adult Flex or General Admission ticket. This initiative continues a tradition of blending motorsports with family entertainment, drawing on past grand marshals from The Muppets, including Elmo and The Great Gonzo.
