FIA Top Fuel Champion Ida Zetterström making NHRA debut with JCM Racing

This week PRI has taken a hold of Indianapolis and big NHRA announcements have been coming out left and right. One of today’s has come from the JCM Racing camp. They announced that recently crowned FIA Top Fuel Champion Ida Zetterström will be making her NHRA debut in 2024. She will use 2024 to run a limited schedule with the goal of competing full time in 2025.

She had this to say about making her debut, “This is truly a dream come true. 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!” In addition to Wally’s, she’ll be competing for the title of NHRA 2024 Rookie of the Year.

Ida started in racing in the Jr. Dragster ranks when she was 8 years old before moving up to Super Comp at age 16. She then moved from four wheels to two and won a pair of Super Street Bike championships, becoming the first woman to win a championship in the class as well as the first to run in the 6 second zone. In 2021, Ida earned her FIA Top Fuel license and not only did she earn it, she set the record for the quickest ever licensing run in European drag racing history. In 2022 she became the first European Top Fuel driver to dip into the 3.70’s in 1,000 foot competition, earned her first FIA event win and finished third in FIA championship standings.

The 2023 season saw Ida and the RF Motorsports team running the gambit. They picked up four wins, three No. 1 qualifiers and set both ends of the European Top Fuel record. She lost only one round of eliminations all season to secure the FIA European championship. And it wasn’t just the race track where she garnered attention. She’s been featured on numerous international podcasts and publications, has over 200,000 followers on Instagram and appeared on the Drag Illustrated 30 Under 30 list in 2022.

Joe Maynard had this to say about his new driver, “This is a unique opportunity to bring a talented rising star into the world of NHRA drag racing. 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.”

Though Ida currently resides in the Åland Islands of Finland, she is planning to relocate to Indianapolis to be close to the team who is currently building her car at their Brownsburg shop. “Ida has been so successful in Europe, and now she’s going to compete with the best of the best among the NHRA ranks,” Joe 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.”

The crew chief and sponsors for Ida’s car will be announced at a later date, but she will be testing with JCM Racing during the NHRA Gatornationals pre race test session at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Florida in March.