Stewart Helps Award Foreigner For New Sales Mark

Reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart surprised Foreigner leader and founder Mick Jones when he presented him with three platinum and one gold award for sales of Foreigner's hit singles, 'I Want To Know What Love Is', 'Waiting For A Girl Like You', 'Hot Blooded' and 'Juke Box Hero' during Thursday night's Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame Gala at Texas Motor Speedway.

A testament to the continuing popularity of the band’s classic hits is that more than half of the sales that contributed to the awards were digital downloads registered since 2004. 

In addition to the platinum and gold awards, Foreigner was also recognized for its longstanding generosity toward Speedway Children's Charities’ Texas Chapter. Speedway Children's Charities, which hosts the Hall of Fame fundraiser, presented Jones with the Maj. General Thomas Sadler Award; given for humanitarian efforts that go above and beyond to assist Speedway Children's Charities in their mission to assist children in North Texas. 

"It was a tremendous surprise to have Mick on hand to accept the Maj. General Thomas Sadler Award," said Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage. "Foreigner has appeared at more NASCAR-related events than any other top Classic Rock band and has been a generous friend to Speedway Children's Charities. Earlier this week, they did a benefit acoustic concert for SCC. Tony's presentation of the platinum and gold awards to Mick was quite a treat for the Hall of Fame audience and Texas Motor Speedway." 

The band's debut smash "Feels Like The First Time" hit the charts 35 years ago this month, and Jones made the journey to Texas while recovering from recent arterial leg surgery. "I hope to be back in the saddle soon, but nothing could keep me away from this event!" he said. "It is a thrill for us to be part of the NASCAR firmament and a particular honor to have one of my personal heroes, Tony Stewart, present us with these awards. Our race day appearances started right here at the Texas Motor Speedway in the spring of 2009, and they have become a highlight in our touring season. NASCAR fans are our kind of people." 

"Foreigner has some of the most enduring songs in the history of rock music, so it's no surprise that these legendary tracks continue to have success in the digital world," said Kevin Gore, President & CEO of Rhino Entertainment. "Mick Jones' song writing and production have combined to create lasting music that still resonates with new audiences every year. I suspect we'll see more Foreigner hits achieving similar certifications very soon."