Costello takes on the TT

Northamptonshire’s motorcycle racer, Maria Costello MBE, returned from the Vauxhall International North West 200 Road Races with only one race finish, but also some vital suspension and set-up developments on the Bob Wylie Racing Triumph 675R, in preparation for the forthcoming Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy.

Horrendous weather conditions on the Antrim coast brought an abrupt end to the opening McKendry Supersport race when multiple incidents caused the race to be red flagged just 3 laps in to the five-lap race. Maria, struggling with a handling issue on the Bob Wylie Triumph was awarded 30th place but, despite the disappointing finishing position, she gained valuable set-up information to use in preparation for the impending Isle of Man TT races.

Maria said: ‘The wet conditions actually helped me stay with other riders down the fast straights and I was actually getting used to the handling issue and looking to make a move on the guys in front. The premature end to the race wasn’t a surprise; I’d already had three people crash in front of me and conditions were getting worse. I’m just glad all of the fallers are OK.

The positives are that after working with Moto Shox we’ve come away with some valuable information we can use for the most important event on my calendar, the TT. Thanks to all the NW200 organisers for such a warm welcome. It’s such a shame the weather stopped play but Mervyn Whyte’s decision was for the best and I’ll be back next year for sure. Now we can look forward to competing at the Isle of Man TT Races.’

Maria Costello’s QBSD supported Honda Fireblade that she will use at the 2013 Isle of Man TT Races in the Superbike, Superstock and Senior races will be used to promote the FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission that strives to support women who race in all two wheeled disciplines. 

Maria who has been approached by the FIM Women in motorcycling Commission, to become their candidate to support women in road/circuit racing, is currently waiting for approval, whilst quietly relishing the opportunities and challenges that this role will present.

Ever since receiving her MBE for services to motorcycling, Costello has constantly strived to give back to both the sport that she loves and also to motorcycling in general. Costello is not a full time racer but, so strong is her passion for two wheels, she continues to seek opportunities to involve more people in motorcycling whenever she is away from the racetrack. 

Maria commented: ‘In racing it’s different. We get to compete on equal terms with the men and I never want that to change, but many women out there want women only events because that’s what they’re more comfortable with and I want to do something to provide that, so that they can grow as bikers.’ 

Sponsorship opportunities are still available on the QBSD Fireblade and both Maria and Jamie and Mark from QBSD would like to hear from any businesses or individuals that have an interest in obtaining some unique media exposure and free advertising generated by a female motorcycle racer with a high profile. Maria has even set up a club ‘TT Entourage’ for members of the general public to get their name on the side of the bike. More details can be found here: www.costelloracing.com/entourage.html

For more information about this opportunity please contact [email protected] [email protected] or [email protected] 

As in previous seasons, Maria Costello will continue to show her support for the cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel! and will be carrying the logo on all of her bikes at the TT. 

Maria would specially like to thank her 2013 sponsors and associates: 

HOL-TAJ, The European Shoe Machinery Company Ltd, HEL Brake lines, Draper Tools, Rock Oil, Kawasaki UK Ltd, Arai, NGK, Vmtek Suspension/Wilbers, Radicool, Jap4Performance, Skidmarx, EBC, GBRacing, Gimoto, Racing Batteries, Knox, The Image Works, iDP Moto Ltd, Cranfield University, RSV, Racebikebitz/Samco hoses, Daytona boots, Pipercross, B&C Express, RS Fabrications Ltd, APC (Wet Paint) Ltd, Cameron Designs, Christian Baker, Dallington Fitness leisure & Wellbeing Club, Trilogy Gyms, DnG, Sparkes Management Support, JP-PT Personal Trainer, Bespoke Injury Management, Scott Physio, Udo’s Choice, Body Helix, Ashgrove Health Ltd, Stratford Print, Stomp, Flying Tiger Paintwork & Spider Grips.

For all the latest news and updates on Maria’s progress please go to www.costelloracing.com and for more information about any of Maria sponsors please go to: www.costelloracing.com/sponsors.html