Costello and Hauxwell enjoy debut outing as new team.

Costello & Hauxwell Enjoy Debut Outing as New Team

Maria Costello MBE and Kirsty Hauxwell got their first laps in as a team at the Hyundai heavy industries britisih sidecar championship at Oulton Park at the weekend.

As the newest members of the JG Speedfit Kawasaki team, Costello / Hauxwell made their debut as the first all-female sidecar pairing in the British championship.

The free practice session on Saturday afternoon was the first time Costello and Hauxwell rode their LCR/Kawasaki 600CC outfit. 

Maria said: “Kirsty and I clicked instantly. She is a brilliant passenger. She is fearless and experienced for her years. 

“Free practice was a hectic session and we worked on getting comfortable in what was a new machine for us. That meant we had to sacrifice some of the session to make adjustments. We worked really well together and that gives us the essential base needed to build as a team and go faster.”

Just as the teams were leaving pit lane for Sunday's afternoon qualifying the heavens opened, making the track greasy and treacherous. Along with a few others, Costello span the outfit on the second lap approaching Hizzy’s.

Maria said: “That spin was a close one and I won’t lie, it did affect us, and I was slower to capitalise on the drying conditions so we didn’t manage to reach the lap times we needed to qualify.

“But we didn’t crash, and if anything this incident has cemented our trust in one another.

“We knew we were taking on a big challenge by going straight into the British championship as a new pairing but I’m excited about the future with Kirsty as I really believe we can achieve our goals together.

“We are planning additional track time between now and the next round at Knockhill in six weeks’ time.”

Kirsty said: “That incident after the second chicane was scary but we talked it over in the pit lane, between ourselves and with the team, and we agreed to go back out. We needed to go back out and just do it. But it did take us a couple of laps to get back into the swing of it.

“It did put a bit of a downer on the weekend that we didn’t qualify but realistically, the odds were stacked against us. Everything was so new all at once.

“But I still think the weekend was fantastic. It was a great experience and I really feel confident in Maria, I trust her. I’m helping her and she’s helping me, it’s just the way it should be.”

Between now and the next round Maria will also be pursuing her solo road racing career, competing in the International Northwest 200 and the Isle of Man TT.

Maria said: “My solo career is still in full swing but after 20 years of road racing, I really wanted to try my hand at sidecar racing. They are fantastic to watch and driving one is something else. I’m hooked and can’t wait to get back in my LCR. I’m feeling super fortunate to be given this amazing opportunity to make the leap into three-wheeled racing.

“As the first all-female team in the championship, a lot of eyes are on us. We didn’t get to show our potential at Oulton but we are aiming to get as much testing in as possible. Kirsty and I have come away feeling hungry to do better and rise to this challenge.”

Round three of the Hyundai Heavy Industries British Sidecar Championship will take place at Knockhill, Scotland from 16th to 18th June. 

Report and images courtesy of Costello Racing