COSTELLO RETURNS TO NEW ZEALAND TO COMPETE IN TRI SERIES.

Maria Costello MBE made her New Zealand racing debut in October but will be heading straight back tomorrow to compete in the 2014 Suzuki Tri Series.

The three events of the Tri Series are held at Hampton Downs, Manfeild and Wanganui during December. Costello will be racing against a strong international field of riders which include her countryman Guy Martin and TT compatriot Horst Saiger of Liechenstein.

This invitation has been extended by sidecar racers Tracey and Steve Bryan who have organised a KTM 690, provided by Boyd Motorcycles of Hamilton, to use at all three rounds including the series finale, a real road race, held at the Wanganui Cemetery Circuit on Friday 26^th December. 

‘Tracey Bryan is coming to the TT for the first time next year and she’s become a hero of mine. She both rides and passengers sidecars and has won three New Zealand Formula 2 titles, claimed fourth in the 2013 NZ Championships on a 600 against 1000s and she holds the Wanganui Cemetery circuit lap record on a classic sidecar with her brother. So I can’t wait to return the favour of inviting me back to NZ and help her at the TT.’ explained Maria 

Costello added: “I was fortunate to be able to experience both the Hampton Downs and Manfeild circuits last time out, so at least know which way they go. The road race at Cemetery circuit will be a real eye opener as I’ve no idea other than it’s a tight, one mile long street circuit held in downtown Wanganui, that runs through a cemetery. It’s been held there since 1951, traditionally on Boxing day and is known as the Southern Hemisphere’s Isle of Man – so I’ll have to get some tips off Graeme Crosby who I’ll also be staying with on this trip!”

Maria is also hoping to be reunited with the TT Industries McIntosh Manx Norton at Wanganui, owned by New Zealander Bruce Verdon upon which she competed in the recent Barry Sheene Motorcycle Classic and Manfeild Spring Classic meetings. 

For further details on Maria’s racing and other activities, please visit her website: http://www.costelloracing.com

Image: Maria with the Bruce Verdon McIntosh she raced in her New Zealand debut. Photography by Jossie.