European Top Fuel sensation Ida Zetterström is set to continue her impressive debut season in the NHRA Mission Foods Series as she heads to the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. Zetterström, who pilots the JCM/VP Racing Fuels/Edelbrock/COMP Cams/Dodge Top Fuel Dragster, made waves in her NHRA debut at the Brainerd Nationals, advancing to the semifinals and securing a spot in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge.
Zetterström qualified 14th in Brainerd but quickly demonstrated her competitive edge by defeating three-time Top Fuel champion Steve Torrence in the first round. A bye in the second round propelled her into the semifinals, where she was narrowly edged out by Shawn Langdon. Her performance in Brainerd solidified her entry into the prestigious U.S. Nationals and the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, an exciting addition to this weekend’s competition.
“This is the biggest race of the year,” said Zetterström. “There are 20 Top Fuel dragsters entered into this weekend’s race, so that definitely adds to the excitement. Everyone is going to really have to earn their spot to make it into the Monday show; there are no ‘gimmes.’”
Having relocated to the Indianapolis area from the Aland Islands in Finland earlier this year, Zetterström has been working closely with her JCM Racing team at their shop in Brownsburg, Indiana. Her dedication and hard work paid off with a strong showing in Brainerd, and she is eager to build on that momentum at the U.S. Nationals.
“I’m also excited to compete in my first Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, which we earned by going to the semifinals in Brainerd. That will be an extra, fun element for us this weekend,” Zetterström added. “I have a lot of friends and family flying in for this event, so this will be the closest thing to a home race for me. Not to mention, with our team being based right down the street in Brownsburg, many of our crew guys’ families are coming out, so we’ll have lots of support this weekend. We had a very successful test session on Monday in Brainerd, which made me feel really good about the direction we’re headed, and I can’t wait to get back into the car.”
Fan Engagement:
- Friday, 6:45 – 7:15 p.m.: Dodge driver autograph session at the Dodge midway display
- Saturday, 10 – 10:30 a.m.: Mission #2Fast2Tasty driver autograph session at the Mission Foods midway display
- Saturday, noon – 12:30 p.m.: Dodge driver autograph session at the Dodge midway display
Zetterström’s journey from her European roots to the heart of American drag racing has been one of passion, perseverance, and impressive results. As she prepares to take on the best in the sport at the U.S. Nationals, her focus remains sharp, her determination unwavering, and her sights set on victory.
This story was originally published on August 29, 2024. 
