IDA ZETTERSTRÖM Gets Shot at Top Fuel Success with Reed Racing Partnership

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February 27, 2026

GRRL! SUMMARY:

  • IDA ZETTERSTRÖM has landed what could be her breakthrough opportunity in Top Fuel drag racing, joining Shawn Reed’s operation as he transitions from full-time driver to team owner. Reed specifically chose her because “she’s very marketable” and needs a platform to showcase her skills in competitive equipment, giving her 5-7 races to prove she can attract sponsorship or a full-time ride.
  • This partnership represents more than just a seat swap – it’s Reed’s strategic exit plan that could keep his team competitive while creating genuine opportunities for underrepresented drivers. Reed acknowledges he needs to step back from burning through $3 million annually on his own racing to build a sustainable business model, making ZETTERSTRÖM’s success critical to the team’s future.
  • The collaboration comes at a pivotal moment as Reed prepares to sell 49% of his trucking business by 2027, meaning his personal racing budget will shrink dramatically. If ZETTERSTRÖM can’t secure backing, Reed may have to scale back to IHRA competition or part-time NHRA schedules, making this season her chance to prove that investing in women drivers makes business sense.

UPCOMING:

  • NHRA season opener at Gainesville
  • Top Fuel testing sessions

LINKS TO RACER'S PROFILE PAGES:

GRRL! summary based upon reporting by Susan Wade originally appearing on www.dragzine.com