Cookie Monster Named Grand Marshal for Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

INDIANAPOLIS — July 21, 2025 — One of television’s most beloved characters is trading cookies for checkered flags this summer.

Cookie Monster from Sesame Street has been named the grand marshal for the Brickyard 400 presented by PPG, set for Sunday, July 27 at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. As part of his duties, the blue, googly-eyed monster will deliver the traditional command for drivers to report to their cars before the start of the NASCAR Cup Series race.

The appearance is part of Sesame Street’s “Road Trip Across America” campaign, a summer tour aimed at spreading the show’s core message that Sesame Street is for everyone, no matter where they live or who they are. The tour will bring Cookie Monster and his friends to cities across the country to promote learning, kindness, and community.

“Bring the whole family out for a cookie break as we welcome Sesame Street’s Cookie Monster to IMS for the Brickyard 400,” said J. Douglas Boles, president of INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “Following Cookie Monster’s command as grand marshal, everyone can enjoy exciting on-track action as the stars of NASCAR take on the iconic 2.5-mile oval.”

Children under 15 are admitted free with the purchase of an adult Flex or General Admission ticket, Boles noted.

Cookie Monster’s grand marshal role will also serve as a reunion with NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace, who recently appeared in a special video with Cookie Monster promoting the Sesame Street road trip. The tour, supported by a national social media campaign, will highlight the diverse communities where Sesame Street fans live and play.

Live coverage of the Brickyard 400 begins at 2 p.m. ET Sunday, July 27 on TNT Sports.

Tickets and full weekend schedule information are available at ims.com.

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