Racing prodigy Ida Zetterström is shifting her focus from clinching championships to securing sponsorships, aiming to triumph in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) series. The Swedish racer, fresh from a 2023 Top Fuel title, moved from the Åland Islands to Brownsburg, Indianapolis, early in 2024. Her determination to conquer the NHRA circuit comes with significant financial hurdles, despite her rich history as a three-time European FIA Top Fuel champion and a two-time Super Street Bike winner.
As Ida Zetterström prepared for her NHRA debut in 2024, she garnered support from sponsors such as Edelbrock and VP Racing Fuels. Her longstanding partnership with Edelbrock began in 2021, while VP Racing Fuels joined as a new ally. However, securing sufficient sponsorship to cover a complete race schedule proved difficult, prompting Ida to focus on funding over racing triumphs. With a confirmed half-season schedule consisting of ten races, Zetterström faces the challenge of adding more events to meet her racing ambitions.
In a recent interview with Speed Freaks, Ida Zetterström expressed her relentless pursuit of sponsorships, emphasizing the mental toll of balancing financial concerns with racing aspirations. “That is the tricky part of it right now,” Ida said, “because obviously, being someone that really wants to race the whole year, finding the funding for it, and focusing on filling in that schedule… it does take a lot of my mental space.”
The financial struggle impacts her racing approach, as Zetterström confessed. “If you knew that you had a full season ahead of you, your mind space might be a little bit different because then you’re focusing on trying to win a championship,” she explained. Her current priority is clear: “I am focusing on chasing dollars instead of just chasing championships, you know.”
Despite these challenges, Ida Zetterström remains committed to her team and sponsors. Transitioning from the open-canopy cars of European circuits to the closed versions in NHRA presents additional hurdles. Yet, she strives to excel on the track while maintaining strong sponsor relationships. “I’m trying to find the balance between still working super hard on that and also focusing on the races that I’m going to, to make sure that I can actually be out here and be the best driver, the best teammate, the best representative for all my sponsors,” she highlighted.
Ida Zetterström’s passion for racing propels her forward. Her landmark victory as the first woman to win the Super Street Bike crown in 2019 stands as a testament to her determination. Anxious to race in NHRA, she had to wait six months before finally debuting in August 2024 at Minnesota’s Brainerd Int’l Raceway. Her impressive performance included defeating four-time champion Steve Torrence in the first round and earning ‘Best New Talent’ honors by NHRA’s National Dragster.
Working with crew chief Jon Schaffer, Ida Zetterström achieved a semifinal finish in 2024. Eager to enhance her performance, she said, “I feel like we left a lot on the table when it comes to showing people what we’re capable of… by the time we came out in August, the rest of the field had several months of getting the kinks worked out. Not to mention, many of those teams have worked together for years and years.”
Ida Zetterström’s journey continues with her sights set on proving herself in the NHRA circuit, as she navigates financial constraints and strives for racing excellence. Her determination, bolstered by past victories and a supportive team, fuels her quest for greater achievements on this challenging and exhilarating path.
