Shawn Reed’s 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season featured mountains and valleys for the former multi-time IHBA drag boat racing champion. Despite a huge accident at his home race near Seattle, WA last July that caused the driver to lose his left index finger, he returned to action, won an IHRA race and then slammed himself into the Winner’s Circle in Reading, winning an emotional first NHRA race on his return to the driver’s seat.
Reed ended the 2025 NHRA season in eighth place, the owner/driver racing in all five of the Countdown to the Championship events. The sixth event, the season finale was cancelled when torrential rains ruined the in-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip racetrack. “Last year was one for the books, that’s for sure,” Reed pronounced as he contemplated his upcoming 2026 season. “Started with the PRO Superstar Shootout win (in Bradenton, FL). Obviously, Seattle was not ideal, but we came back bigger and badder than ever. We went out, won the IHRA race in Ohio, the first NHRA Countdown race in Reading, (PA), continued to qualify well and ended up finishing the year ranked eighth, a personal best for me.”
Reed’s 2026 campaign, however, will look different, as he needs to devote added time to his business concerns in the Seattle, WA area. The team owner has decided to compete on a limited basis this year, with Ida Zetterstrom sharing driving duties for the season. Zetterstrom, who is a multiple European drag racing titleholder, will continue her NHRA career as the team’s fill-in driver in Reed’s absence from the circuit.
“As much as I’d love to pick right back where we left off, the reality is I need to focus more of my time and attention on my business, which requires me to be back in Washington (state) more often than our race schedule allows.” While he’s intent on not losing the momentum built over the past two seasons of [near] full-time action, “It was important to me that we continue to run a full season. Adding a second driver was the logical choice.
“I’d heard Ida might be available and, lucky for me she was. I’ve watched her race and have always been impressed with how she carries herself both on and off the track. She’s a proven talent and I’m excited to see what she can do behind the wheel of our Reed Trucking & Excavating dragster.” Zetterstrom made her debut with Joe and PJ Maynard’s JCM Racing team at Brainerd in August of 2024, where she attained a semifinal result; she has competed with JCM on a limited basis since that time, so the Shawn Reed Racing opportunity presented itself at an ideal time in her American career.
Maynard conveyed his intention to step away from team ownership, discussing his plans with Zetterstrom at the close of the 2025 racing season. “Joe and I met after the season to discuss the future of JCM, and he let me know that he would be taking a step back from team ownership,” Zetterstrom noted. The winner of National Dragster’s ‘Best New Talent’ 2024 fan vote stated her appreciation of the Maynard family’s backing.
“I’m incredibly grateful for everything Joe and PJ have done for me and for the opportunity to race in the U.S. these last two years. My ultimate goal is still to secure full-time ride, and being able to stay visible by making appearances in Shawn’s car throughout the year will go a long way toward achieving that. My schedule this year will be based on both Shawn’s work schedule and the budget I bring to the table.”
Good news for both Reed and Zetterstrom is that their brain trust remains essentially intact, led by Rob Wendland and his assistant crew chief Ryan Elliott. They’re preparing for the possibility of running not one, but two cars as the season progresses. “I can’t put a number on how many races we’ll each run just yet,” Reed emphasized, “as we’re still working through that.
“The truth is, I want to run as many races as possible and so does Ida; we’re each working hard to make that happen. My hope is that we’ll be able to put Ida in a second car at some point. We have the parts and pieces for it; we just need the funding. In an ideal situation,” he mused, “I’m fielding two cars with Ida running full-time in a second dragster, but for the time being, she’s pounding the pavement so that she can be behind the wheel of my car at as many events as possible.”
“Shawn and I have the same shared vision of me ultimately running full-time in a second Shawn Reed Racing dragster,” Zetterstrom stated. “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,” she said, “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 [wife] Andrea are trusting in me to drive their car.”
Shawn Reed starts the 75th anniversary NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season in the 57th annual Amalie Motor Oil Gatornationals, traditionally held at Gainesville Raceway on March 6-8. Reed will also take part in the Top Fuel Callout, as one of eight racers vying for the race-within-a-race trophy and money.
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