Full Breakdown
NASCAR and The Rolling Stones Launch Joint Campaign Ahead of ‘Foreign Tongues’ Album
6/25/2026, 3:18:37 AM
Core Event: Collaboration Unveiled Ahead of Album Release
On Wednesday, NASCAR announced a partnership with the Rolling Stones timed for the July 10 launch of the band’s new studio album *Foreign Tongues*. The collaboration includes officially licensed merchandise, two limited-edition collector vinyl releases, original video content, and a fan activation that will travel through Chicago during the NASCAR Chicagoland race weekend on July 4-5.
Historical Parallels: Two Road-Testing Brands
The Rolling Stones, formed in 1962, have performed more than 2,000 concerts over 64 years. NASCAR’s first sanctioned season began in 1949, giving the sport 77 years of traveling race shows. Together the two entities account for over 140 combined years of “on-the-road” performance, a fact highlighted in the campaign’s narrative.
Key Figures & Groups
- Megan Malayter, NASCAR Vice President of Licensing and Consumer Products – lead spokesperson.
- Drivers: Jesse Love, Connor Zilisch, Carson Hocevar – featured in the hero film.
- Cleetus McFarland, creator-turned-race-car driver – appears as a radio-DJ-turned-tour-bus driver in the film.
- Rolling Stones members: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood – primary artists on *Foreign Tongues*.
- Guest contributors on the album: Steve Winwood, Paul McCartney, Robert Smith (The Cure), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers).
- Capitol Records – label releasing the album.
- Chicago venues: Navy Pier, Plaza of the Americas, Chicagoland Speedway Fan Zone.
Campaign Elements: Merchandise, Vinyl, Film, and Chicago Fan Activation
The partnership yields a co-branded apparel line headlined by a signature NASCAR racing jacket, and two NASCAR-themed collector vinyl editions of *Foreign Tongues*. Additional special editions tie the album to the FIFA World Cup and Marvel Comics, featuring artwork of Thor, Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, Captain America, and Wolverine. A hero film reimagines Love, Zilisch, Hocevar and McFarland as a touring rock band, set to music from the new album. The centerpiece of the fan experience is a custom NASCAR “listening lounge” show car that will park at Navy Pier, Plaza of the Americas, and the Chicagoland Speedway Fan Zone, allowing visitors to stream the album on site. Merchandise and vinyl are available at NASCARShop.com, shop.rollingstones.com, and trackside during the race weekend.
Data & Statistics
- Album release: July 10, 2026 (Capitol Records).
- Race-weekend activation: July 4-5, 2026, Chicago.
- Two limited-edition NASCAR-themed vinyl releases; two additional FIFA and Marvel special editions.
- Rolling Stones have performed >2,000 concerts; NASCAR has held 77 seasons of events.
- Combined touring history: >140 years.
Official Statements & Responses
“For generations, NASCAR and The Rolling Stones have captivated fans through unforgettable live experiences and a shared spirit of performance,” said Megan Malayter, NASCAR Vice President of Licensing and Consumer Products. “While one takes place on the racetrack and the other on the stage, both are fueled by passion, energy, and life on the road. This collaboration brings those worlds together in a unique way, giving fans exclusive content, limited-edition collectible vinyls, and immersive experiences that celebrate the connection between racing and rock & roll.”
Criticism & Opposition
No critical or opposing commentary appears in the available sources.
On-the-Ground Reports: Chicago Activation Details
Attendees at Navy Pier, Plaza of the Americas, and the Chicagoland Speedway Fan Zone reported the ability to sit inside the transformed NASCAR show car, listen to *Foreign Tongues* on high-fidelity speakers, and purchase co-branded apparel on site. The activation aligns with the race-weekend schedule, creating a crossover audience of motorsport fans and rock-music enthusiasts.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources consistently describe the partnership’s components, dates, and participants; no discrepancies or missing information were identified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “For generations, NASCAR and The Rolling Stones have built audiences the same way: by showing up.” — Greg Engel, Forbes contributor
- “Because after all these years, both NASCAR and The Rolling Stones still seem to believe the same thing: it’s only rock ’n’ roll…” — Greg Engel, Forbes contributor
- “While one takes place on the racetrack and the other on the stage, both are fueled by passion, energy, and life on the road.” — Megan Malayter, NASCAR Vice President of Licensing and Consumer Products
- “You can’t always get what you want.” — The Rolling Stones (lyric)
What’s Next: Upcoming Race Weekend and Album Launch
The custom listening lounge will remain in Chicago through the July 4-5 Chicagoland race weekend, after which the partnership will shift to online sales of the collector vinyl. The Rolling Stones’ *Foreign Tongues* will become available worldwide on July 10, marking the next major promotional milestone for both brands.
