BRAINERD, Minn. — Ida Zetterström’s NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series career officially kicked off a year ago when the former FIA European Top Fuel world champion debuted at Brainerd International Raceway.
Back at the famed facility for this weekend’s 43rd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, Zetterström is thrilled to return to a track where she made her first NHRA start.
It was a memorable one, too, as Zetterström advanced to the semifinals before falling to current points leader Shawn Langdon.
Racing in her 12,000-horsepower JCM Racing dragster, Zetterström would love for this season’s breakout performance to come in Brainerd while also sporting a look that is a nod to last year’s official debut in Brainerd.
“I’m very excited to get back to Brainerd,” Zetterström said. “The fans last year gave us an incredible welcome and I can’t wait to see them all. For this race only, we’re going to run the livery we debuted with. We got so much love for that scheme. It was part of our Rookie of the Year campaign, and I think the fans really enjoyed the red, white, and blue. So, it’ll be nice to have a little memory from last season on board.”
Last year, Justin Ashley (Top Fuel), Blake Alexander (Funny Car) and Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) all won in Brainerd, while Antron Brown, Austin Prock and Greg Anderson took home Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge wins.
Running a limited schedule, Zetterström will be making her ninth start of the season, looking to build consistency and rhythm with her team. They’ve shown potential, qualifying seventh at the most recent race in Sonoma, and Zetterström hopes Brainerd yields a positive result for the second straight year.
“We are excited to get back to a track where we’ve had success. To this day, that was still our strongest showing and we look forward to capitalizing on the momentum of knowing it’s a great track for us and knowing that we have the fans in our corner and that we can perform here,” Zetterström said. “Initially, Brainerd wasn’t on our schedule, but I’m so glad we were able to add it and have the opportunity to be back and running where it all started for me here in the U.S.”
