The Rolling Stones and NASCAR Join Forces
The Rolling Stones have teamed up with NASCAR to produce a music video that blends the high speed of stock car racing with the iconic swagger of the legendary rock band. Young drivers Connor Zilisch, Carson Hocevar and Jesse Love share the screen with the band’s signature aesthetic, turning the track into a stage for a new visual narrative.
Released on Friday, the band’s 25th studio album “Foreign Tongues” serves as the soundtrack for the partnership. A custom‑built NASCAR show car was transformed into a listening lounge in Chicago, where the Stones debuted tracks from the record to fans gathered at the venue. The collaboration also brings a limited‑edition merchandise line that features the band’s tongue and lips logo alongside designs inspired by the sport’s sleek livery.
Megan Malayter, vice president of licensing and consumer products for NASCAR, said the organization was approached by the band’s representatives and saw an opportunity to bridge two distinct fan bases. “Our goal is to honor the heritage of racing while inviting a new generation to experience the excitement,” she explained, noting that the partnership reflects NASCAR’s strategy to stay relevant to both longtime enthusiasts and younger audiences.
The video’s creative direction imagines the drivers as members of a touring rock band, performing to the first single “In The Stars.” Internet automotive influencer Garrett Mitchell, known online as “Cleetus McFarland,” makes a cameo that adds a digital‑age twist to the production. The final scene shows the three drivers in their fire suits, signing autographs and posing with fans, capturing the blend of motorsport tradition and pop culture.
For Zilisch, the experience was a flashback to the 1990s, complete with leather jackets and jewelry, while Love said the collaboration deepened his appreciation for the Stones’ catalog. Hocevar echoed the sentiment, praising NASCAR’s willingness to experiment with fresh ways to connect with potential fans.