Bubba Wallace chats with fellow driver at Indianapolis race event.
The iconic Cookie Monster will give the signal to begin the NASCAR Cup Series’ Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 28, adding excitement for fans and attendees. This special occasion marks the start of Sesame Street’s ‘Road Trip Across America’ initiative, kicked off alongside NASCAR driverBubba Wallace at Indianapolis, to help unite communities and engage families.
Sesame Street’s Tour Begins at the Legendary Speedway
Families can expect a vibrant atmosphere when Cookie Monster utters the celebrated “drivers, start your engines” command before the 160-lap Brickyard 400. Sesame Street, a beloved children’s program since 1969, has partnered with 23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace to launch a coast-to-coast tour promoting educational and joyful experiences for children at America’s landmark events.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway indicated the tour commencement will
“bring communities together and showcase the many ways Sesame Street helps children everywhere grow smarter, stronger and kinder.”
—Indianapolis Motor Speedway
In addition to activities at the racetrack, the campaign will roll out an engaging social media outreach, highlighting Sesame Street’s impact and the diverse communities supporting the show, so that families nationwide can be part of the festivities. The speedway noted,
“The road trip will be supported by a robust social media campaign featuring the faces and places where Sesame Street friends and fans reside so families across the country can join in on the fun.”
—Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Inviting Families to Celebrate Racing and Sesame Street
Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and IndyCar chief J. Douglas Boles has encouraged families to visit the race, emphasizing fun moments like meeting Cookie Monster and enjoying the famous “cookie break” for kids. He said,
Image of: NASCAR Driver
“Bring the whole family out for a cookie break as we welcome ‘Sesame Street’s’ Cookie Monster to IMS for the Brickyard 400 presented by PPG on July 27,”
—J. Douglas Boles, IndyCar President
He also highlighted the thrill fans can look forward to, stating,
“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.”
—J. Douglas Boles, IndyCar President
Sesame Street’s Impact and Community Efforts
Aaron Bisman, senior vice president and marketing lead at Sesame Workshop, reflected on the program’s national reach and its educational mission for over five decades. For the organization, combining the joy of Sesame Street with community events offers another chance to connect with families and children across the United States. Bisman remarked,
“For over 55 years, Sesame Street has been reaching and teaching children across America.”
—Aaron Bisman, Sesame Workshop
The summer tour will visit multiple American community events, such as state fairs and baseball games, with Bisman adding,
“This summer, families will experience the joy of Sesame Street at state fairs, baseball games, and so much more.”
—Aaron Bisman, Sesame Workshop
Social media buzz further supports the cross-country adventure, as the show’s official account announced,
“America, here we come! Your Sesame Street pals are starting a very special road trip with Mr. @BubbaWallace! Where should their first pit-stop be?💛🚙💚 pic.twitter.com/mDTKVZP2Nj”
—Sesame Street (@sesamestreet)
The Brickyard 400’s History and Sesame Street’s NASCAR Involvement
The Brickyard 400 has been a staple at Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 1994, briefly switching to a road course format before returning to the oval in recent years. The 2023 race was significant as it was the first Brickyard 400 using the Next Gen car, won by Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson. Memorable Sesame Street moments have decorated previous NASCAR events—Elmo waved the green flag at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1993, and Gonzo appeared as grand marshal at Auto Club Speedway in 2014.
What Fans Can Expect at the Brickyard 400
Families attending the event on July 28 will see Cookie Monster serving as the grand marshal, instructing drivers like NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace at Indianapolis ahead of the anticipated race. The partnership combines beloved television characters, legendary drivers, and a storied venue, setting the stage for a day full of excitement and community spirit. The celebration is likely to boost local enthusiasm, make race day special for children, and continue Sesame Street’s mission of spreading joy and education nationwide.
A. Gordon made a big impact on NASCAR in the 1990s. At 24, he became the youngest driver to win a major series title in 1995. He secured three additional championships in 1997, 1998, and 2001. In 1998, his team, the Rainbow Warriors, driven in his bright No. 24 Chevrolet, achieved a record of 13 victories in the modern era.
Q. Is Jeff Gordon a NASCAR driver?
A. In the 1990s, Gordon amazed people in NASCAR by winning a top series title at just 24 years old in 1995. He didn’t stop there and claimed three more championship titles in 1997, 1998, and 2001.
Q. Who is the tallest NASCAR driver?
A. Elzie “Buddy” Baker was notably tall, standing at 6-foot-6, during his NASCAR Cup career from 1959 to 1992. Baker achieved 19 Cup race victories. These wins included the World 600 at Charlotte in 1972 and 1973 and the Southern 500 in 1970. Seen as possibly the tallest NASCAR Cup driver ever, Baker was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2020.
