Host of New and Returning Drivers Coming to Highly-Anticipated 2024 Season in NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – December 20, 2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – The start of the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series is more than two months away, but excitement for the 55th NHRA Gatornationals at historic Gainesville Raceway on March 7-10 is already brewing, in part thanks to several drivers set to make their 2024 debut, as well as a host of competitors returning to NHRA drag racing.

After an incredible, record-setting year of side-by-side racing across the professional ranks in 2023, these drivers add even more talent to the loaded fields, setting the stage for what will be an epic season of competition in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle in 2024.

Here’s a look at some of the new drivers, familiar faces returning to the professional ranks, big moves and who is switching classes for the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season:

• Tony Stewart, Top Fuel: The legendary driver will debut in Top Fuel next season, as his wife, Leah Pruett, will step out of the seat as the couple plans to start a family. The former NASCAR and IndyCar world champ was successful in the Top Alcohol Dragster ranks last year, and is set for another huge move in 2024.
• Shawn Reed, Top Fuel: Reed is returning to the Top Fuel ranks after several years away. He’ll be a full-time driver in 2024 as the owner/driver of Shawn Reed Racing, but it’s not the only big step in his career. Reed will also have a technical and advancement alliance with three-time world champ Antron Brown, giving Reed a strong path for success next year.
• Ida Zetterstrom, Top Fuel: The European Top Fuel champ is making the move to NHRA in 2024 and will do so as a part of JCM Racing. The Finnish standout will run a limited schedule next season – with the plan to go full-time in 2025 – and she brings a huge amount of fanfare and excitement with the announcement. Zetterstrom is already a popular name in racing world, bringing plenty of anticipation for her 2024 debut in the NHRA ranks.
• Jacob McNeal, Top Fuel: McNeal made his Top Fuel debut in 2023, racing four times with Scott Palmer Racing, but he took it a step further this off-season. McNeal is now a Top Fuel team owner and is set to compete at eight races next year. He purchased the Top Fuel operation of Buddy Hull and will work with crew chief Mike Guger in a move he called a dream come true.
• Jasmine Salinas, Top Fuel: A successful driver in the Top Alcohol Dragster ranks, Salinas announced her move to…