Rock ‘n’ Roll Meets the Speedway
The partnership between NASCAR and The Rolling Stones brings together two icons of American culture: the high‑speed world of stock car racing and the timeless swagger of classic rock. In a newly released music video, three of the sport’s rising talents — Connor Zilisch, Carson Hocevar and Jesse Love — take on the role of a touring rock band, performing on a stage that mirrors the excitement of a race weekend.
Set to the Stones’ upcoming single “In The Stars,” the video reimagines the drivers as musicians, complete with vintage‑style instruments and a stage design that echoes the roar of engines. The visual narrative captures their personalities, from the rebellious spirit of the track to the laid‑back cool of a backstage jam session.
Beyond the video, the collaboration includes a limited‑edition merchandise collection and NASCAR‑themed vinyl pressings of the band’s forthcoming album “Foreign Tongues.” These items are intended to deepen fan engagement across generations, offering collectors a unique blend of racing memorabilia and music history.
Megan Malayter, vice president of licensing and consumer products for NASCAR, emphasized the strategic goal of the partnership: “We’re looking to satisfy our older fan base while also resonating with younger supporters, expanding our reach through a shared love of music and culture.”
The video concludes with the drivers pulling into the track’s fan zone, signing autographs and posing for photos, a moment that underscores the mutual respect between the racing community and the legendary band. Connor Zilisch, a self‑described music enthusiast, revealed that the experience deepened his appreciation for The Rolling Stones and allowed him to step into a different creative role.
For Zilisch, filming was a nostalgic trip; he enjoyed dressing up and feeling as though he were “back in the day,” a sentiment echoed by his fellow drivers who found the blend of speed and songwriting unexpectedly liberating.
The Rolling Stones’ induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 adds a layer of historical significance to the collaboration, highlighting a legacy that continues to influence new audiences across diverse entertainment platforms.