IDA ZETTERSTRÖM’s Record-Breaking Journey from Junior Dragsters to NHRA Stardom

April 2, 2025

by Saad Rashid // from www.essentiallysports.com

• IDA ZETTERSTRÖM has quietly built one of the most impressive racing résumés we’ve seen, starting in Junior Dragsters at eight and methodically conquering every category she touches. The Swedish racer didn’t just dabble in motorcycle drag racing—she owned it, becoming the first woman to win in European Super Street Bike class and claiming the 2019 Scandinavian championship. When she set her sights on Top Fuel in 2021, she immediately served notice with the fastest FIA licensing pass ever recorded at 3.862 seconds.
• Her European dominance was swift and decisive: first event win in her second race, followed by four victories and the 2023 FIA Top Fuel World Championship. Along the way, she shattered records with a 3.773-second European ET and 321 mph speed mark. But here’s what sets her apart—she wasn’t content to be Europe’s queen when there was a bigger stage calling. Her move to Indianapolis and JCM Racing in 2024 showed the kind of ambition that separates good racers from great ones.
• The NHRA transition could have been humbling, but ZETTERSTRÖM made it look effortless, reaching the semifinals in her debut and earning ‘Best New Talent’ recognition. Team owner Joe Maynard’s praise reveals what smart teams already know—she’s not just fast, she’s the complete package with social media savvy and partner appeal. While European drag racing faces infrastructure challenges with fewer suppliers and tighter budgets, she’s proven that talent transcends geography and logistics.

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