Adventures of a Wienermobile Hotdogger: From Carroll to the Indy 500 (sort of)

Author: Tim Muma

Published Date: 6/3/2025

Carroll Alum Wienermobile in Chicago — Cooper Albert '23 shared the Wienermobile with a co-pilot for a full year.

For most recent college graduates, life after commencement includes searching for a job, settling into a new city and figuring out the next step. For Carroll University’s Cooper Albert ’23, that next step was hitting the road in a 27-foot-long hot dog on wheels.

Albert, who graduated with degrees in marketing and Spanish, is one of only 12 people selected nationwide to serve as a Hotdogger — the official driver and brand ambassador of the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. With more than 7,000 applicants each year and an acceptance rate even lower than Harvard’s, the odds were steep. But Albert, armed with a cover letter full of hot dog puns and an adventurous spirit, earned one of the coveted spots.

(Please note: All puns were created by Cooper Albert and are not endorsed by the author, nor represent the author's sense of humor)

“I FRANK-ly never thought I’d have a chance,” said Albert. “But I sent in my application, packed with 17 hot dog-based puns, and somehow made it through several rounds of interviews with Kraft Heinz.”

According to unofficial records, Albert is the first Carroll University alumnus to ever pilot the iconic Wienermobile — and he hopes others might reach out if they’ve shared the same title.

The year-long Hotdogger contract includes driving the giant hot dog across the country to appear at hundreds of events, from festivals and parades to grocery stores and media appearances. Hotdoggers function as independent PR representatives for Oscar Mayer, handling event coordination, media relations and consumer engagement — all while keeping the Wienermobile rolling and spirits high.

Wienermobile Indy 500 Carroll Alum — Albert raced at the Indiapolis 500 against the other five Wienermobiles.

“The MEAT of the job is showing off the vehicle, talking to consumers, organizing marketing activations and handing out our iconic weenie whistles,” Albert explained. “But behind the scenes, we’re negotiating deals, pitching media outlets and acting as brand reps.”

One of the highlights of Albert’s year came in May when all six Wienermobiles came together for the first time in over a decade to compete in the inaugural “Weenie 500” at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to promote the Indianapolis 500. Representing “Team Chili Dogs,” Albert’s crew placed third, entertaining millions in the process.

“I RELISHed the opportunity to work with local and national media, too,” said Albert. “I got to appear on NBC, CBS, SiriusXM and Fox Sports to drum up excitement for our stops.”

The experience, while unforgettable, came with surprises. Living on the road meant long stretches in hotels — with perks like free breakfast and gym access — but also challenges, like not being able to cook his own meals. “I haven’t baked or cooked for myself since February,” Albert admitted. “I’m looking forward to getting back to that.”

One surprising fact Albert learned during his travels: more people have been to space than have driven the Wienermobile. Although becoming an astronaut would have been a compelling story, too (and a boost to Carroll University's reputation), this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that few people have had the chance to experience.

Albert credits his time at Carroll with preparing him well for whatever came his way. “The friends made, the memories cherished and the food stolen from MDR will hold a place in my heart for the rest of my life,” he said. “Carroll gave me endless opportunities to explore and grow as a student and as a person.”

While at Carroll, Albert was involved in the Track and Cross Country teams, the Honors Program and several student organizations, and studied abroad after returning to campus post-COVID as a resident assistant.

With his Hotdogger term wrapping up, Albert is preparing for his next adventure: graduate school. He will pursue an MBA in Brand and Marketing Management at UW-Madison. But no matter where his road leads, he says he’ll always be a Pio at heart.