When Shawn Reed Racing announced that Ida Zetterström had joined the team, they couldn't have expected that, by the halfway point of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, she would have competed in just one event: the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Charlotte, North Carolina.
While that has been the reality, the team knew from the beginning that sponsorship would be the biggest hurdle. They alluded to as much in the original announcement, and Zetterström acknowledged the challenge at the time.
“Shawn and I have the same shared vision of me ultimately running full time in a second Shawn Reed Racing dragster. But until that happens, I’m excited for the opportunity to get in a car that is known to perform well and be consistent.
“The fact that this team will be out there at all the races is a big deal because I know that every time I strap in, I’ll be in a car that's ready to go out and win. I value this highly, both for the sponsors and for me to have the best chance of advancing in the class.
“This is a great step towards the future and the goal of finding enough partners to put together a full campaign and one day run for a championship. I’m truly honored that Shawn and Andrea are trusting in me to drive their car.”
Fast forward to the halfway point of the season, and while sponsorship has limited Zetterström's seat time, Shawn Reed says he's been impressed by her work ethic and determination away from the racetrack. More importantly, the team is already planning her return to competition.
“It’s great, she's great to be around. She’s a hustler, you know, we need to get a few more sponsors on board so we can get her more time. It just costs a bunch of money, so we have to strategically plan out what races, but I think she’s going to be in the car in Indy and maybe Texas.”
The team as a whole continues searching for additional partners, but Reed says the long-term vision has never changed. The goal remains to field two full-time Top Fuel dragsters, with both Reed and Zetterström behind the wheel.
Despite the financial challenges, Reed is pleased with the progress the independent team has made.
“We’re just a little underfunded. I’m the only contributor. So, it’s tough. We got a great group of guys working. We’re running within a couple hundredths of everybody else. I mean, we’re probably the only team out here that’s independent. I guess you can count Capco.”
Reed wants to get Zetterström back in the car as soon as possible, and he says the team is ready whenever the funding comes together. As is often the case in motorsports, however, everything comes down to sponsorship.
“Unfortunately, it’s a money thing. I mean $125,000 or $150,000 a weekend. Just gotta get money.”
So, for now, the 2023 FIA European Top Fuel champion waits for her next opportunity, one that will likely come on the biggest stage in NHRA drag racing: the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals.
Maybe that's the race that changes everything.
"The Big Go" has launched careers and created unforgettable moments throughout NHRA history. No matter what, Reed is bullish about his long-term plans for Zetterström and his team.
“Two cars, me and her… She’s got a car sitting upstairs ready to go, it’s got her body on it. It’s ready to go. Just gotta find the money for the weekend.”
Ida Zetterström is expected to return to the driver's seat September 2-7 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park for the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals.
(Photo Credit: NHRA)
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