IDA ZETTERSTRÖM Battles Funding Woes Despite NHRA ‘Best New Talent’ Honor

April 4, 2025

GRRL! SUMMARY:

IDA ZETTERSTRÖM earned NHRA’s ‘Best New Talent’ recognition after moving from European drag racing dominance to the States in January 2024, teaming with JCM Racing and reaching the semifinals. Despite proving her skills on America’s biggest stage, the Swedish racer faces the classic motorsports catch-22: needing results to get funding while needing funding to get consistent seat time.
The financial reality hits hard as ZETTERSTRÖM reveals she can only afford 10 races in 2025, up slightly from last year but nowhere near a full campaign. Even Tony Stewart acknowledges the funding struggles plaguing NHRA teams, while JCM Racing owner Joe Maynard calls her “the full package” with skills and social media savvy that should attract sponsors.
Heading into the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at Pomona, ZETTERSTRÖM aims to build on her career-best 3.738-second run at 334.32 mph from last year’s visit. After qualifying ninth in Phoenix before a first-round exit, she’s targeting the top eight and her first win lights on Sunday—results that could finally unlock the sponsorship doors she desperately needs.