Ida Zetterström is a professional drag racer competing in the NHRA Mission Foods Top Fuel Series, the fastest and most powerful category in motorsport. Originally from Sweden, Ida began racing at just eight years old and quickly rose through the ranks of European drag racing, becoming one of the sport’s most accomplished young talents.
In 2023, she captured the FIA European Top Fuel Championship, setting records for elapsed time and speed and establishing herself as one of the quickest drivers in the world. The following season, Ida made the bold move to the United States to pursue her dream at the highest level of the sport, joining JCM Racing and making an immediate impact with impressive performances against seasoned champions.
Known for her competitive spirit, international fan engagement, and strong social media presence, Ida brings global appeal and dynamic visibility to her partners. Residing in Brownsburg, Indiana, she’s actively building a long-term NHRA career while continuing to elevate her profile both on and off the track.
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Ida Zetterström’s racing journey began at just eight years old when she first climbed into a Junior Dragster. From the very start, her talent and determination were clear. At 16, she advanced to full-size competition, earning her Super Comp Dragster license and taking the next step toward a professional career in drag racing.
In 2017, Ida made the move to two wheels, competing in Super Street Bike – the European equivalent of the U.S. Pro Street Bike class. Her breakthrough came in 2019, when she reached multiple final rounds and claimed her first event victory, becoming the first woman ever to win in the Scandinavian Super Street Bike class. That same season, Ida and her team captured the overall Scandinavian Championship title, making her the youngest rider in history to win a Super Street Bike Championship.
Her achievements in 2019 earned her the prestigious VP Racing Fuels Special Award, recognizing her as the competitor with the most notable accomplishments of the year.
In 2020, Ida once again made history, becoming the first woman to record a six-second run on a no wheelie bar bike. She set a new track record with a 6.985-second pass in the 1/4 mile, and at the following event improved to a stunning 6.885 seconds – making her the second quickest rider in Super Street Bike history at the time, and part of only the second team ever to break into the 6.8-second zone.
Despite her success on motorcycles, Ida’s ultimate dream had always been clear: to race a Top Fuel dragster.
That goal never faded, and in 2020 she committed fully to making it a reality. She partnered with RF Motorsport and renowned Top Fuel mentor Rune Fjeld to begin the process of earning her Top Fuel license.
Ida began her licensing process at Bug Jam in 2021 and on her final required pass, she ran an incredible 3.862 seconds – the quickest FIA Top Fuel licensing pass ever recorded, immediately placing her among the fastest drivers in Europe.
The momentum continued into 2022. At the first FIA event of the season, Ida and RF Motorsport set a new European record with a 3.782-second run, becoming the first team in European history to break into the 3.7-second zone.
Just one race later, she claimed her first FIA Top Fuel event victory at Tierp Arena.
Her rapid rise earned international recognition, and in December 2022 Ida was named to Drag Illustrated’s prestigious “30 Under 30” list, highlighting the most influential young people in drag racing worldwide.
The 2023 season became a career milestone. At the opening FIA Championship event at Santa Pod, Ida reset her own European records with a 3.773-second pass at 321 mph, taking both the ET and speed records while winning the event. The season went on to be dominant – with more Top Fuel victories, multiple No.1 qualifiers, and only one round loss all year – culminating in Ida and RF Motorsport being crowned 2023 FIA European Top Fuel Champions.
Following her European success, Ida announced her next major step: a move to the United States to compete in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series with JCM Racing. In 2024, she made her official NHRA Top Fuel debut under the tuning direction of Jon Schaffer, joining eight events on the national schedule alongside teammate Tony Schumacher. In her official NHRA debut she made it all the way to the semi final after upsetting some of the biggest names in the sport. At the end of the 2024 season Ida picked up the New Talent of the year award presented by National Dragster, an award voted on by the fans.
In 2025 she made history along side team mate Alexis DeJoria as they became the first ever all female nitro team. Ida competed in 12 out of the 20 NHRA races and made it to her first ever NHRA final round in St Louis agains two time World Champion Doug Kalitta.
Based in Brownsburg, Indiana, Ida continues to pursue her lifelong dream of competing full time at the highest level of drag racing with the goal of racing full time and chasing World Championships.
“This was a unique opportunity to bring a talented rising star into the world of NHRA Drag Racing,” said JCM Racing team owner, Joe Maynard. “We’ve followed Ida’s success on and off the track for some time now. She obviously has the skills it takes to excel in Top Fuel. Plus, she understands the importance of both business and social media and how to utilize it to benefit partners. She’s the full package. I believe Ida has a bright future in NHRA Drag Racing.”
Top Fuel Dragster
Category: Top Fuel
Series: NHRA Mission Foods series
Horsepower: 12.000hp
Engine size: 500 cubic inch
Fuel: Nitromethane
DRDB Position: 1st
2023 Results: European Top Fuel Champion with RFMotorsport
Career-best elapsed time: 3.72 s
Career-best speed: 334.32 mph
European ET record holder with 3.77s, first team in the 3.7 second zone in Europe
Super Street Bike
Brand: Suzuki Hayabusa
Category: Super Street Bike
Series: FIM European / EDRS PRO Nordic
Horsepower: 750hp
Fuelsystem: Fueltech
Turbo: Xona Rotor turbo
Engine Builder: Kim Hilander
Tuner: Arttu Heinälä
2020 points finish: 1st Finnish Championship
2019 points finish: 1st EDRS PRO Championship
2018 points finish: 7th EDRS PRO Championship
Career-best elapsed time: 6.885 s (Kauhava, 2020)
Career-best speed: 215.55 mph (Kauhava, 2020)