Cookie Monster to serve as Grand Marshal at the Brickyard

Sesame Street’s Cookie Monster will be the Grand Marshal of this year’s Brickyard 400, held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The iconic blue monster is embarking on a Road Trip Across America, and Indianapolis marks the first stop.

As grand marshal, Cookie Monster will give the traditional command for drivers to report to their cars before the race. He will also give driver introductions on Victory Podium.

Michael Kaltenmark, Senior Director of marketing at IMS, says they couldn’t pass up the opportunity to host Cookie Monster.

“One mention of Cookie Monster, and everybody's eyes lit up,” he said. “It didn't matter their age. We all had sort of a familiarity and an awareness and understanding and certainly an affinity for Sesame Street and Cookie Monster.”

Kaltenmark says the IMS team works hard to make the race a family-friendly event. Kids 15 and under get in free. But Cookie is for everyone -- and Kaltenmark said people have been excited about the announcement.

“He’s a lovable monster who's built his identity around consuming them,” Kaltenmark said. “What's not to like?”

The race is this Sunday at 2 p.m. There will be cookies.

Contact WFYI education reporter Sydney Dauphinais at sdauphinais@wfyi.org.