Ida Zetterström: On Her Journey To The Top

Ida Zetterström is a name that has quickly become synonymous with excellence in the world of drag racing, particularly in the Top Fuel Category. Originally hailing from Sweden, she has competed in the global arena for some of the most prestigious titles in the world of motorsports. In our interview, Ida shares her beginning in motorsports, the challenges she faced along the way, and her journey into the Top Fuel category.

Ida has spent her entire life surrounded by the thrills and speed of motorsport, she recalls, “I've been at the track since I was three weeks old…being involved in racing in every different shape and form”. Familial ties from her father’s engine shop leading her to racing, she competed for the first time at 8 years old in the Junior Dragster class. Her desire to reach the top level has been clear since a young age for Ida, “I've had the dream of racing top fuel ever since back then”.

Ida’s career trajectory is nothing short of impressive, whilst she currently competes in drag cars, she had a stunning run competing in drag bike racing! If being the first woman to win in the Scandinavian Super Street Bike Class wasn’t enough for Ida, she also holds the title of the youngest ever person to win the Championship along with multiple records to her name. Of course, this wasn’t easy. Ida candidly remembers the struggles she faced when making the transition to bikes, “Going from being in cars my whole life… and then jumping on a bike, that took a lot of mental strength”. 

No matter the levels of success she found on the bike, her dream to climb to the Top Fuel class persisted, leading her to make the switch back to cars. Ida reflects how this switch didn’t feel so drastic, “there's a lot to learn to race them, and I'm still learning, but I think I was more mentally prepared to make that transition”. Her intense training, hard work, and mental strength in adapting to motorcycle racing helped her transition back to cars. This smooth adaptation was a mix of her openness to learning, and her raw talent, “I still had a lot to learn… but being confident in the car, that came very natural”. 

Her mindset whilst facing these challenges was not only admirable but incredibly relatable. She shares the often daunting nature that comes with the pressure of her sport, knowing that whilst it may be just her in the car, teamwork is integral to success. In times where she was faced with intimidating situations, like fighting for the championship, she underlines the importance of staying calm and trusting in your own ability: “In high-pressure situations, like when we knew winning the round meant winning the championship, I remind myself that doing what we've been doing all season will be enough. You don't need to try to be extra good; you just need to trust that you can do it.”

 Despite the financial struggles that came with competing in drag racing, Ida Zetterström found enjoyment in her marketing business. While she used it to support her racing career, she also appreciated the work itself. “I really liked it” she says, reflecting on the diverse projects she took on, from building websites and running social media to coaching other drivers and working as a pit commentator. The business gave her both the financial stability she needed to keep racing and the flexibility to work while traveling. Her passion to fuel her dreams is evident through her hard work, and versatility throughout her career.

Looking back on her career, Ida highlights the move to the U.S. and joining JCM Racing as one of her most significant moments. "When I started talking to Joe Maynard and JCM Racing… they were going to start another team just for me and build that from scratch” she recalls, describing it as a defining turning point. However, reaching this stage was no small feat. Key moments like starting her own business and earning her racing license in Europe under Rune Fjeld were crucial steps along the way. Winning the European championship further solidified her foundation, enabling her to chase her dreams in the U.S. These experiences, Ida notes, laid the groundwork for her success today.

Ida Zetterström doesn’t see being a woman as a unique disadvantage in motorsport. "There are struggles for everybody out here" emphasizing how gender doesn’t dictate success. She prefers to focus on the positives, saying, "It’s better not dwell on the things that might be negative for you since you're a woman. Focus on the positives and use that instead". While Ida acknowledges that some sponsors may not see her as a marketing fit, she views it pragmatically: "It’s just business," she says. "There are companies that think a blonde woman might not fit their marketing needs, but others see me as perfect for their brand."

Ida refers back to her success in Super Street bike racing, "When I came in, people said this class wasn’t for girls because no woman had ever done it before. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be done". She attributes her success to the mindset of surrounding herself with a strong team, saying, "I had a crew that was on a championship-winning level, and that’s why we won."

Ida has ambitious long-term goals, with her sights set on winning multiple championships. "The long-term goal is obviously to win championships" she says, adding that she’s not one to stop at just one victory. "When I win a championship, I’m not going to retire. I want to do really big things in this sport”. In the short term, she has specific goals, like winning a race in the U.S. But beyond the visible achievements, Ida also aims to refine her driving performance, focusing on consistency and reaction time. "I want to come to the point where I feel the same way in the car as I did in Europe, where I don’t even have to think about driving," she shares.

Zetterström offers valuable advice to anyone aspiring to enter motorsport, emphasizing the variety of roles available in the sport beyond being a driver. "There are so many roles in the sport that are so important and so fun" she says. Even if driving isn’t someone’s main passion, there are opportunities in areas like social media, broadcast, sponsorships, and working with teams. "I would love to get more people in this sport who are just passionate about motorsport".

For those set on becoming a driver, Ida advises hard work and persistence. "Work really hard, and hard work will pay off" she states, adding that networking is essential. Her own journey to Top Fuel was anything but straightforward. "I didn't have the connections, I didn't have the money" she admits. "But by widening my views on what was possible, I made it to the end goal, even though it wasn’t the original plan".

Ida Zetterström’s journey exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and passion. As she continues to break barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport, her insights inspire not only aspiring drivers but also those interested in various roles within the industry. Her belief that hard work, networking, and a willingness to explore diverse opportunities can lead to success serves as a powerful reminder that the path to achievement is rarely linear. With her unwavering commitment to excellence, Ida is not only paving the way for herself but also encouraging future generations of women to chase their dreams in motorsports.

Thanks to KZ Photography for the incredible photographs!