Ida Zetterström’s story is one of grit, growth, and unshakable belief. From her early days in Jr. dragsters to smashing records in Europe and racing in the NHRA, she has shown that she belongs on drag racing’s biggest stage
Her battle for funding may seem like a detour on the path to greatness, but it’s also a reflection of how much she believes in her potential and her dream.
With every pass down the track, she’s not just racing for points—she’s racing for a future where her talent is backed by the resources she deserves.
Ida Zetterström’s journey with JCM Racing is one of passion, resilience, and groundbreaking progress. With Joe Maynard and a dedicated team behind her, she’s on a path that could redefine what’s possible in Top Fuel drag racing.
Whether she’s chasing a podium finish or inspiring young fans, her impact is undeniable.
As the NHRA season unfolds, all eyes will be on Zetterström, not just to see how far she can go, but to witness the rise of a true motorsports star.
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Table of Contents
Ida Zetterström’s Top Fuel Journey
The Road to a Full-Time NHRA Season
Ida Zetterström’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and unwavering determination.1
The Swedish-born drag racer has steadily risen through the ranks of motorsports, turning heads both in Europe and now in the United States.
Her journey began at the tender age of eight, racing Jr. dragsters in Finland, and has evolved into her becoming one of the most exciting up-and-coming drivers in NHRA Top Fuel.
Now competing in the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series with JCM Racing, Zetterström is facing a new kind of challenge—not one on the track, but one of financial support and sustainability in her racing career.
The best 🫶🏻⛽️🔥 @VP_Racing_Fuels https://t.co/fZf7V3YfhV
— Ida Zetterström (@ida_zetterstrom) April 4, 2025
The Funding Gap That Threatens a Championship Dream
Despite having a full-time ride with JCM Racing, Zetterström has revealed that she may only be able to participate in 10 races for the 2025 season due to funding constraints.
In an appearance on the Cars Yeah podcast, she candidly discussed the difficulties of securing enough sponsorship to commit to a full-season schedule.
“We were hoping that 2025 will be our first full year, but it all comes down to funding,” Zetterström explained. “Right now I do not have the—I have great partners—I just do not have enough for it to cover a full season.”
While her sponsors have been supportive, the financial burden of competing in the NHRA is significant. The cost of operating a Top Fuel team for an entire season can easily climb into the millions, encompassing everything from transportation and crew salaries to parts, tires, and fuel.
Without consistent backing, even the most talented drivers face the possibility of being sidelined.
Ida Zetterström: Promising Start in the NHRA
Zetterström made her NHRA Top Fuel debut in 2023 and participated in eight races during the 2024 season.2
Despite the limited schedule, she managed to accumulate 359 points, finishing 14th overall. Her performance was impressive given the limited seat time, and it reinforced her potential as a future title contender.
In 2025, she has already competed in three events, scoring 90 points and sitting in 12th place in the standings—showing that even with limited resources, she remains competitive against some of the best drivers in the world.
European Success as a Launchpad
Before entering the NHRA circuit, Zetterström made a name for herself in Europe. She captured the 2023 Top Fuel title at the FIA European Championship and shattered the European speed record by hitting a staggering 321 mph.
That historic accomplishment put her on the global radar and opened doors for her in the United States.
Her European success not only speaks to her driving skill but also to her ability to adapt and thrive under pressure—traits that have served her well in the NHRA.
The Reality of Racing Economics
Zetterström’s situation highlights a broader issue in professional motorsports—the crucial role of financial backing.
While talent, hard work, and dedication are essential, the reality is that racing is an expensive endeavor. Without the right funding, even drivers with enormous potential can find their careers stalled or limited.
Corporate sponsorships are the lifeblood of racing teams. Drivers and teams spend as much time building partnerships and seeking sponsorship deals as they do preparing cars and competing on race day.
For Zetterström, the goal now is to secure long-term partners who can help her realize her full-season and championship ambitions.
The Mission: Compete and Inspire
Despite the challenges, Zetterström remains upbeat and focused on making the most of every opportunity.
Her mission is not only to compete but also to inspire future generations of racers, especially young girls interested in motorsports.
“I want to be a driver who young girls can look up to and believe that they can do it too,” she has said in past interviews. Her journey from Jr. dragsters to Top Fuel serves as a testament to what passion and perseverance can achieve.
Ida Zetterström: JCM Racing
A Crucial Partnership
Zetterström’s partnership with JCM Racing has been instrumental in her progression.3
The team has supported her growth and provided a platform for her to compete at the highest level of drag racing.
With a solid team behind her and the right equipment, she’s shown that she belongs in the conversation among the NHRA elite.
Now, it’s about building on that foundation. If the financial pieces fall into place, there’s little doubt that JCM Racing and Zetterström can become a dominant force in the series.
Navigating a Partial Season with Purpose
Even with a limited schedule, Zetterström is making every race count. Her strategy has been to treat each event as if it were the championship round, maximizing performance and visibility.
Every lap down the strip is a chance to prove herself to sponsors, fans, and fellow competitors.
Her current standings reflect that mindset. Moving from 14th to 12th place with just three races under her belt in 2025, she’s clearly not just filling a seat—she’s gunning for wins.
The Bigger Picture: Growth of Women in Drag Racing
Zetterström’s presence in Top Fuel is part of a larger movement within motorsports, as more women are breaking barriers and achieving success in male-dominated series.
The NHRA has a long history of female participation, with legends like Shirley Muldowney and more recently, Brittany Force, paving the way.
Zetterström hopes to continue that legacy and perhaps one day add her name to the list of NHRA champions. Her determination and talent are already winning her fans, and with more exposure and support, her impact on the sport could be profound.
Building Toward a Championship Future
Looking ahead, Zetterström remains focused on securing the necessary backing to chase her first full-season championship.
She’s optimistic that more companies and brands will recognize the value she brings—not just as a driver, but as a representative of the sport.
“We’re still chasing more funding and going to try and find those partners that will be with us for the long run and that will be part of our success,” she said. It’s clear that her drive extends far beyond the race track.
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Joe Maynard on Ida Zetterström’s Drive and Tenacity
Speaking about Ida’s development and impact, Joe Maynard highlighted the characteristics that make her a unique asset to the team.
“Working with Ida last year, and seeing her drive and tenacity, I have no doubt that it’s only a matter of time before she has an NHRA championship to go along with her European championships,” said Maynard.
Maynard’s admiration for Zetterström isn’t simply based on her results; it’s deeply rooted in the daily effort she brings to the team. From her preparation and mechanical understanding to the way she communicates with her crew, Ida is fully immersed in every part of the racing operation.
A Work Ethic That Sets Her Apart
What truly distinguishes Ida from many of her peers is her exceptional work ethic. She approaches every race weekend with laser focus and professional discipline.
Whether it’s breaking down data with engineers, staying physically fit to handle the G-forces of a Top Fuel run, or taking time to build chemistry with her pit crew, she’s always going the extra mile.
“Her work ethic is incredible, and that translates to success on the track,” Maynard emphasized.
It’s no surprise that in such a short time, she has already earned the respect and admiration of her team, competitors, and fans alike.
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Breaking Barriers with an All-Female Nitro Team
JCM Racing’s decision to field an all-female nitro team is a monumental step forward for gender representation in motorsports.
The pairing of Zetterström and DeJoria brings together two world-class drivers who are not only competitive on the track but are also powerful role models off it.
This bold move by Joe and P.J. Maynard represents a growing recognition that talent knows no gender.
For Ida, it’s about more than personal success. She understands the platform she has and the responsibility that comes with it. Inspiring the next generation of female racers is something she takes seriously, and every win—or even every hard-fought race—is another example of what’s possible.
The Road to the NHRA Countdown
One of JCM Racing’s goals this season is to get Zetterström into position to qualify for the NHRA Countdown to the Championship, the six-race playoff that determines the Top Fuel world champion.
For any driver, making the Countdown is a sign that you’re among the elite.
“I’m hopeful we can continue to add more races to her schedule this year,” said Maynard, “and put her in a position to have a shot at the Countdown to the Championship.”
Participation in more events would provide crucial seat time and increased exposure, both of which are necessary for competing at the highest level. With her proven performance in Europe and her rapid adaptation to the NHRA, Ida’s trajectory is clearly pointing upward.
Eyes on the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals
Next up for Zetterström is the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway in North Carolina, taking place from April 25th to 27th.
The event is a unique spectacle in the drag racing calendar, where four cars race side-by-side instead of the traditional two. For Ida, it presents both a challenge and an opportunity to showcase her abilities on a big stage.
Racing at zMax will test her adaptability and focus. The track, often referred to as the “Bellagio of Drag Strips,” demands precision and nerves of steel.
It’s a proving ground, and a strong performance here could be a turning point in her NHRA campaign.
Ida Zetterström: From Rookie to Contender
In a sport where experience often separates the good from the great, Zetterström has quickly closed the gap.
Every run down the track adds to her growing knowledge of the NHRA format and its subtleties. Her fearless approach and commitment to improvement are speeding up what would usually be a multi-year learning curve.
Veteran drivers and crew chiefs have taken notice. Many in the paddock have commented on her ability to stay calm under pressure—a trait that has helped her execute consistent reaction times and manage her 11,000-horsepower dragster with poise.
The Support Behind the Speed
Behind every great driver is a well-oiled support system, and JCM Racing has built just that. From engineers and crew members to marketing and PR teams, the operation is tight, professional, and aligned with a shared vision.
Joe and P.J. Maynard have cultivated a culture where hard work, respect, and innovation thrive.
Zetterström fits into this culture perfectly. She’s not just a driver—they see her as a collaborator, someone who contributes meaningfully to the direction and growth of the team.
This mutual respect strengthens the bond between driver and team, which often translates into better results on race day.
What the Future Holds
- With several races left on the 2025 calendar and the momentum of a promising season, the future looks bright for Ida Zetterström.
- If she continues to perform at her current level, a spot in the Countdown could become a reality. Beyond that, a long and successful NHRA career seems well within reach.
- Fans have already embraced her, and sponsors are beginning to take note of her marketability—not just as a skilled racer but as a trailblazer in a male-dominated sport.
- She brings a compelling narrative to the table: a European champion chasing American dreams, and proving that she belongs.
- As Zetterström’s profile grows, so does her influence. Young girls watching from the stands or at home see in her a reflection of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.
- Her commitment to the craft, paired with her humble, grounded personality, makes her an ideal role model for the next generation of racers.
- In a sport that often leans heavily on tradition, she’s a breath of fresh air—modern, driven, and fully capable of competing with the best. Her story is still being written, but it’s already an inspiring one.
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