Ida Zetterstrom Lives Up to Hype, Advances to Top Fuel Semifinal in NHRA Debut

Reigning FIA European Top Fuel champion Ida Zetterström pulled off the upset of Sunday’s opening round of eliminations in her NHRA debut. The Swedish rookie, who claimed the No. 14 and final starting spot, defeated four-time champion and top qualifier Steve Torrence in her first round of competition.

That earned her a second-round bye into the semifinals. Then she had to face Shawn Langdon, who has won series crowns at three different levels of competition (Jr. Dragster, Super Comp, and Top Fuel).

She fouled out to end her day, and said, “Obviously, this is embarrassing. I’ve never red-lit in my life. My foot just went, but my brain didn’t tell it to go. I know I’m better than this. Our team is better than this.”

Justin Ashley went on to beat Langdon in the finals.