Our 47th season of racing will start at the weekend of May third to fifth as the Festival of Power was cancelled due to heavy rain and too wet parking and camping.
This year we are down to two cars for the Championship since Ida left to race in USA, and Antti will only do two races.
Hopefully Ida will come back for a guest performance at the Hockenheim race in August.
“This is truly a dream come true,” said Zetterström, the FIA Top Fuel record holder for elapsed time and speed. “I’ve been working towards this goal for years now, and to have Joe Maynard and the JCM Racing organization recognize my efforts and potential means so much. I’m so thankful for everyone who has helped me reach this point, including all the NHRA drivers who have offered tips and guidance.
“The plan for now is to run at least five events next year starting in the second half of the season, but we are actively pursuing partners in hopes of running as many races as possible, as soon as possible. I’m ready to hit the ground running!” added Zetterström, who in addition to competing for NHRA Wally trophies, will also be battling for the title of NHRA’s 2024 Rookie of the Year.
Zetterström started racing in the Jr. Dragster ranks at age 8 before moving up to Super Comp at 16. She then switched to two wheels, where she won a pair of Super Street Bike championships. She became the first woman to win a championship in the class, as well as the first to run in the 6-second zone. In 2021, Zetterström earned her FIA Top Fuel license on the strength of the quickest-ever licensing run in European drag racing history. The following year, she became the first European Top Fuel driver to dip into the 3.70-second range in 1,000-foot competition. She also earned her first FIA event win and finished third in the FIA championship standings.
“This is 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 social media and how to utilize it to benefit partners. The 2023 FIA season saw Zetterström and the RF Motorsport team pick up four event wins, three No. 1 qualifier awards, and both ends of the European Top Fuel record. She lost just one round of eliminations all season to secure the FIA European championship.
Zetterström has also made an impression off the track, as she’s been featured in numerous international publications and podcasts. She has a substantial following on social media, with more She’s the full package. I believe Ida has a bright future in NHRA drag racing, and we’re thrilled that she’s making her U.S. debut as a member of our JCM Racing organization.” Zetterström, who currently lives in the Åland Islands of Finland, is planning to relocate to the Indianapolis area to be close to the JCM Racing shop. The Brownsburg, Ind.-based JCM Racing team is currently in the process of building a car that Zetterström will begin driving during pre-season testing in March 2024. The new team’s crew chief and sponsors will be announced at a later date.
“Ida has been so successful in Europe, and now she’s going to compete with the best of the best among the NHRA ranks,” Maynard said. “She’s obviously committed to the opportunity by moving here. Similarly, we’re committed to providing her with the resources she needs to contend for NHRA Rookie of the Year honors in 2024, and if all goes as planned, to compete for an NHRA Top Fuel championship to go along with her European title starting in 2025.” Zetterström will begin testing with JCM Racing during the NHRA Gatornationals pre-race test session at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Fla. in March.
After a rainfull year Ida finished the season in style at an unusual hot Santa Pod by winning the race and setting low ET of the race.
Both Tierp races had the finals cancelled due to rain. We didn't get away from it at the other races either, but they managed to finish them.
Ida only lost one round all year, and qualified number 1 at all but the Main Event. She also reset the European Speed and ET records. A true testament to her dedicated crew.
Susanne ended up as Runner Up in the championship, while Antti and Duncan only made two races each
It was Antti Horto, Ida Zetterstrøm and Susanne Callin out for the first time of 2022. As Antti only had a skeleton crew we decided that he only made 1 pass a day. Susanne and Ida was to make 5 runs over the weekend.
Antti made three 0.82 60ft. passes, but shook at the last supposed full pass. All looking good for the first FIA race at Santa Pod.
Ida had some great runs and the quickest pass in Europe to the 1/8 mile at 3.01 with an early shutoff 3.83 at 264 Mph. Looking forward to The Main Event.
Susanne was struggling with a faulty clutch controller, so she didn't make any full runs. Early numbers looking good, so we hope the new clutch parts will arrive in time for the next race. We then should have all cars in the eighties or maybe a 70 or two 😁👌
If that's the case we will only be racing at Santa Pod and concentrate on the 2022 season.
Our first race this year will be at Santa Pod on the 25 to 27 of June with Susanne confirmed as driver of the Slick Tricks dragster. We will come back with the other drivers as soon as they are confirmed.
So here we are in February ever hopeful to go racing again. We are all ready and eager for the season to get under way although the season opener in Easter still looks doubtful.
Hopefully by the time the FIA Championship starts, enough people have had their vaccine, and things will get more back to "normal"
One thing is for sure. Susanne, Antti and Duncan will be fighting for the title.
