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The hot dog is a polarizing vessel throughout the United States.
One of the last times I was back in Chicago was for a Fourth of July cookout that included juicy burgers, succulent chicken thighs, and a hot dog bar with all the accoutrements a Chicagoan could want.
A red and white checkered tablecloth covered a table laden with dogs, poppy seed buns, three types of mustards, fresh tomatoes, neon sweet sauce, chopped onions, pickles, sport peppers, and celery shakers.
Everyone knows I love extensions (get it?).
This Friday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Chi Dog (Midwest) is one of six Wienermobiles competing in the second annual Oscar Mayer Wienie 500. It joins the New York Dog (East), Chili Dog (South), Seattle Dog (Northwest), last year’s winner, Slaw Dog (Southeast), and the newest fan-voted contender, Corn Dog.
Race day coverage begins at 2 pm ET on FOX and FOX One.
One of my jobs at these places is to handicap sporting events, delve into the odds and give you an informed idea on what to bet. The thing is, not a single American bookmaker accepts bets on the Wienie 500.
Because?
“Is that a serious question?” Circa Sports COO Jeff Benson texted me earlier this week. “It’s not game-approved. You know that.”
Yo did I know, but Benson’s reaction was worth asking.
So we can’t bet, but I still have a sausage in the running. And you will too. There’s a good chance you support the hot dog that brings back your best childhood memories. Nostalgia tends to take effect at events like this.
If you lathered yours with brown mustard and sauerkraut, you’ll be betting on the New York Dog. If you prefer chili or chili-cheese, you know the drill. If you put cream cheese or cole slaw on your dog like a monster, God bless you.
We try not to judge here.
Last year, Slaw Dog took second place into the final turn before chasing Chi Dog at nearly 70 miles per hour to take the checkered flag.
“I’m knee-deep in college baseball right now,” one anonymous bettor told me when pressed about this year’s race. “But I love a good villain. Give me the Slaw Dog to beat him back. This will set up the hat trick for next year.”
Choose your sausage wisely.
I’m going to Chi Dog with a vengeance. What about you?
