Top Fuel rookie Ida Zetterström made a splash in her NHRA debut at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, where she impressively reached the semifinals. Her journey included a dramatic holeshot victory over four-time NHRA Top Fuel champion and top qualifier Steve Torrence. Despite red-lighting in the semifinals against Shawn Langdon, the 30-year-old Swedish racer has already proven she’s a force to be reckoned with on the NHRA circuit.
Zetterström, the defending FIA European Top Fuel Drag Racing champion, chose to forgo defending her title in Europe this year, opting instead to join JCM Racing in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Her decision has paid off, as she’s quickly adapted to the intense competition in the U.S.
Reflecting on her debut, Zetterström shared, “From the moment I arrived in Minneapolis and then Brainerd, it was non-stop. Sitting in the waterbox for my first run, with Jon Schaffer starting up the car, I thought, ‘Well, it’s too late to get nervous now, so let’s just do it.'”
Her first-round victory at Brainerd was particularly satisfying, as she not only secured a win light in her inaugural NHRA event but also lived up to the considerable hype surrounding her debut. “It feels like a huge relief,” she said. “I wanted to show that we’re not just here to participate, but to compete with the best. This year is about getting everything in place so we can chase a championship next year.”
Zetterström’s holeshot win over Torrence, which compensated for a slower elapsed time with a quicker reaction time, was a highlight of her debut. “As a driver, a holeshot win is especially sweet because it shows you did your job,” she explained. “I’m still working on perfecting my reaction time with this new car, but that win was a big confidence boost.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis, Zetterström is ready to take on an even more challenging field. “We know Indy will require us to step up our game,” she said. “With more than 20 drivers competing for a spot on the 16-car ladder, the stakes are higher, but I’m confident we can rise to the occasion.”
For Zetterström, her victory over Torrence was more than just a win—it was a statement that she belongs on the biggest stage in drag racing. “While it wasn’t an event title, beating a champion like Steve from the No. 14 qualifying spot ranks high in my career,” she said. “It’s not as significant as winning a championship or setting records in Europe, but it was a strong start and a sign of what’s to come.”
As she prepares for the prestigious U.S. Nationals, Zetterström is determined to continue making waves in the NHRA and to establish herself as a top contender in the sport.
