Pat McAfee recently found himself in the spotlight following his reaction to a scenario involving the U.S. national anthem during WWE’s Elimination Chamber in Toronto. In the most ironic way imaginable, he had called Canada a “terrible country” live on air. McAfee is well known for his frank and enthusiastic commentary, and he frequently expresses strong opinions regarding the customs and rituals that surround sports. Even though national anthem performances frequently evoke powerful feelings in both fans and analysts, McAfee’s response this time brought about an unexpected and amusing turn of events, reminding everyone that even the most solemn moments may occasionally take a surprising and comic turn.
With thousands of spectators and on-air commentators preparing to pay tribute to the national anthem, the pre-race build-up at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was beginning to resemble a typical patriotic event. As the audience and cameras centred on the event’s beginning, the well-known commentator was live in the studio on a recent episode of The Pat McAfee Show.
When the opening notes began, McAfee automatically recognised and said, “They are doing the National Anthem for the Wienie 500.” And immediately got to his feet, exclaiming, “Oh shit,” with sincere astonishment and respect. When his palm reached his heart, the whole studio staff stood up and covered their hearts in unison. In observance of the customary ceremony that is a mainstay at important American athletic events, the spectators across the stadium also stood in unison.
But the tune took an unexpected and comical turn. Instead of the well-known anthem lyrics, local artist Luke Garrigus started singing “If I Were an Oscar Mayer Wiener”—the famous and catchy jingle that many Americans immediately recognized. This humorous switch led to confusion right away. When it became clear that this was a light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek tribute to the hot dog brand rather than the national anthem, the studio staff and fans who had stood to attention stopped, looked at one another, and gradually sat down.
And McAfee himself couldn’t help laughing. His solemn expression soon gave way to hysterical laughing, and he cried, “Oh my God. That is perfect.” A cutaway shot of a woman at the event joyfully blowing the Wienie Whistle, the iconic horn sound connected with Oscar Mayer’s Wienermobile, added to the playful ambiance. In order to express his gratitude for the surprising but unforgettable pre-race entertainment, McAfee concluded the video with a happy farewell, giving everyone an “incredible Memorial Day weekend.” A welcome reminder that there’s always space for a little humour and surprise, even in the middle of tradition and ceremony.
From Pat McAfee’s laughs to Wiener mobile wins — The Indy 500’s hot dog showdown
As a jingle punked McAfee, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was sponsoring something as absurd: the first-ever Wienie 500, a serious, down-to-earth race between six Wiener mobiles that sent spectators into a frenzy. Slaw Dog, the Southeast’s mobile meat rocket that won the checkered flag on Friday’s Carb Day, deserves the Borg-Wiener Trophy. In what can only be called the Daytona 500 of deli meats, the Wiener mobile defeated its Chicago counterpart by almost half a bun in front of approximately 80,000 spectators.
When Sarah Oney, who co-piloted the winning dog with Connor Wolff, said, “You are standing in a moment in hot dog history right now.” She was right. It was the first time that all six of the famous Oscar Mayer Wiener mobiles had ever competed at the hallowed Brickyard.
Top speeds? 65 mph. Total laps? Two. The event was both absurd and captivating, from the crowd’s wild roars to the No. 4 dog’s breakdown in the middle of the race. And appropriately, the Southeast Weiner’s daring move on the front stretch secured the victory, leaving Chicago’s dog in its mustard-smeared wake.
Oscar Mayer’s brand communications director, Kelsey Rice, stated, “It’s only fitting that we bring a race of epic proportions to the Speedway and celebrate a timeless tradition: delicious meats and a little friendly competition.” In a world of fast-paced drama and intense competition, the Wienie 500 may have just produced the most surprising victory lap of Memorial Day weekend.
And from WWE booing wars to Oscar Mayer misfires, Pat McAfee discovered the hard way that in the world of sports entertainment, you never know when the anthem is a jingle and the race is for wieners.
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