Ida Zetterström, the recently crowned FIA Top Fuel champion, has announced her plans to make her NHRA Top Fuel debut with JCM Racing in the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. Zetterström, a Finnish driver, is relocating to the United States to pursue her dream of competing for an NHRA world championship. She intends to run a limited schedule in 2024, with the goal of a full-time campaign in 2025.
“This is truly a dream come true,” said Zetterström, the FIA Top Fuel record holder for elapsed time and speed. “I’ve been working towards this goal for years now, and to have Joe Maynard and the JCM Racing organization recognize my efforts and potential means so much. I’m so thankful for everyone who has helped me reach this point, including all the NHRA drivers who have offered tips and guidance.
“The plan for now is to run at least five events next year starting in the second half of the season, but we are actively pursuing partners in hopes of running as many races as possible as soon as possible. I’m ready to hit the ground running!” added Zetterström, who, in addition to competing for NHRA Wally trophies, will also be battling for the title of NHRA’s 2024 Rookie of the Year.
Zetterström began her racing career in the Jr. Dragster ranks at eight before progressing to Super Comp at 16. After that, she successfully transitioned to two wheels, winning two Super Street Bike championships. She became the first female champion in the class and the first to achieve a sub-6-second run. In 2021, Zetterström earned her FIA Top Fuel license after setting a new European drag racing record for the quickest-ever licensing run. The following year, she further solidified her position as a trailblazer by becoming the first European Top Fuel driver to dip into the 3.70-second range in 1,000-foot competition. She also secured her first FIA event win and finished third in the FIA championship standings.
In the 2023 FIA season, Zetterström and the RF Motorsport team triumphed with four event wins, three No. 1 qualifier awards, and both ends of the European Top Fuel record. Over the entire season, Zetterström lost just one round of eliminations, ultimately claiming the FIA European championship title.
Beyond her on-track achievements, Zetterström has made an impact off the track as well. She has been featured in several international publications and podcasts and maintains a sizable following of over 200,000 Instagram followers. In 2022, she was recognized on Drag Illustrated’s 30 Under 30 list.
“This is a unique opportunity to bring a talented rising star into the world of NHRA drag racing,” said JCM Racing team owner Joe Maynard. “We’ve followed Ida’s success on and off the track for some time now. She obviously has the skills it takes to excel in Top Fuel. Plus, she understands the importance of social media and how to utilize it to benefit partners. She’s the full package. I believe Ida has a bright future in NHRA drag racing, and we’re thrilled that she’s making her U.S. debut as a member of our JCM Racing organization.”
As part of her commitment, Zetterström plans to relocate from the Åland Islands of Finland to the Indianapolis area to be near the JCM Racing shop. The Brownsburg, Indiana-based team is preparing a car for Zetterström to begin driving during pre-season testing in March 2024. The team’s crew chief and sponsors will be announced over the next few weeks.
“Ida has been so successful in Europe, and now she’s going to compete with the best of the best among the NHRA ranks,” Maynard said. “She’s obviously committed to the opportunity by moving here. Similarly, we’re committed to providing her with the resources she needs to contend for NHRA Rookie of the Year honors in 2024 and, if all goes as planned, to compete for an NHRA Top Fuel championship to go along with her European title starting in 2025.”
Zetterström’s testing with JCM Racing will commence during the NHRA Gatornationals pre-race test session at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Florida, in March.
