KyraSage
When the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series kicks off, there will be a lot to see and a lot of stories to follow. One of those stories is 2023 FIA Top Fuel Champion Ida Zetterström beginning her campaign for 2024 NHRA Rookie of the Year, and she won’t be alone. She will have the support of VP Racing, one of the motorsports industry’s most notable brands of race gas, additives and lubricants.
Prior to her recent move to Brownsburg, Indiana from the Åland Islands of Finland, Ida saw tremendous success on the FIA and FIM series circuits in Europe. Along with her 2023 FIA Top Fuel Champion title, Ida is a two time champion in the Super Bike category. She won her first title in 2019, making her the youngest competitor and first female to do so. These accomplishments caught the attention of VP Racing and prompted the market leader in high performance racing fuels to present her with the organization’s ‘Special Award.’ This award recognizes a racer who has had an exceptionally standout season, and with her already on VP’s radar, it was only a matter of time before the two would work together and partner in an official capacity.
“I’m so excited to now officially be working with VP Racing as I begin my NHRA journey,” said Ida, who will be running a minimum of six races during the 2024 season prior to running full time in 2025 with JCM Racing teammate Tony Schumacher. “I’ve had a relationship with VP since 2019 and we’ve worked together on various projects while I was racing in Europe, so it’s incredibly gratifying that it has developed into now hitting the track this year with an official partnership in place.
“VP Racing’s product line is superior, and the VP Racing brand is synonymous with drag racing, so it’s truly an honor to be aligned with them as I begin this next chapter in my racing career,” she added. “We’ve got our sights set on a major goal this year – putting ourselves in the best possible position to compete for the Rookie of the Year award – and even loftier goals for 2025 and beyond. It’s a major feather in my cap to know that I will be pursuing Wally trophies and championships with the support of such a well-respected brand.”
VP Racing will be joining Ida and JCM Racing as an associate partner, with their branding appearing on her 12,000 horsepower Top Fuel dragster, firesuit and team crew shirts. Additionally she will wear a custom designed, VP Racing branded helmets at all events during her 2024 season. The VP logo will appear on Tony Schumacher’s Leatherwood Distillery Top Fuel dragster throughout the entirety of the 21 race NHRA Mission Foods season as well.
Bruce Hendel, Senior Vice President – Global Sales for VP, had this to say about the partnership, “We’re excited to be part of Ida Zetterström’s historic quest in the 2024 NHRA season. Ida has impressed us for several years, winning VP’s Special Award 2019 for her outstanding performance racing Super Street Bikes in Europe. Joining her as she enters the NHRA’s premier professional series is fitting for the global leader in performance racing fuels, motor oils, and additives.”
The 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will kick off March 8th – 10th, with the NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Florida. Ida’s NHRA debut event will be announced at a later date.
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