NEW TT PERSONAL BEST AND BRONZE REPLICA FINISH FOR MARIA
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01/01/1970
It was another bronze replica finish for Costello when she claimed a strong 17thplace in the Bennetts Lightweight race at this year’s Isle of Man TT.
Fresh from a superb showing at the ultra-fast Northwest 200 races, the Northamptonshire racer had only one entry in the TT, on her own home built Kawasaki ER6.
Maria made good use of the practice time available. Stopping to make adjustments (something you can only do at the TT) during the first two sessions made for no lap times at the outset; however this gave her a great base setting and, with help from SB Racing and Moto Shox, she arrived prepared for Friday’s race.
In perfect conditions Costello, starting from 26th on the road, set off down Bray Hill for the first of three gruelling laps of the most iconic race circuit in the world.
Her opening standing start lap of 112.449mph put her into 18th position in a 50-strong field. She entered pit-lane at the end of this first lap to refuel, which was calmly handled by Kev and Martin without error. With some racers choosing to pit at the end of lap two, Maria temporarily moved down the order and arrived at the Glen Helen checkpoint on lap two in 20th and started the final lap in 21st.
The pace hotted up on lap three as riders got dialled in to the track with decreasing fuel loads. Costello moved back to 18th and then put in a personal best Lightweight lap of 113.177mph, to take the chequered flag in 17th and claim yet another TT bronze replica.
“I’m so happy as the field is so strong now. I loved every lap, especially my last which is new personal best on this bike, and my bike ran smoothly, in fact it’s been totally reliable all fortnight. I think that’s a strong showing considering I came here with a smaller team than planned after backing fell through when my big bike entry was rejected.”
“I need to thank my right hand man Kev and the rest of my 2015 TT team of Mike, Andy & Barry for the spannering & help over the fortnight. I also need to thank all of my sponsors, Tony & Simon of SB Racing, Simon, Mark at Moto Shox, fuel man - Martin, the IM1 Car Centre, Cath from Rex Physio, Tom for the set up and pit board, all the marshals and medics and those who make the event possible.”
“Now though my thoughts are with those who have been injured. Keep fighting Jamie, I hope we get to hear good news soon. My condolences go out to the family and friends of Franck Petricola, may you rest in peace.”
Costello hopes to return to the Irish road racing championship at Walderstown, if funds permit. For all of the latest news on Maria, including sponsorship opportunities, her ‘women only’ Donington Park track days and other events, please visit her website at www.costelloracing.com.
Image of Costello leaping Ago's by Giulia Zanella.
2015 Sponsors:
The European Shoe Machinery Company Ltd, Hol-Taj, BMW Motorrad UK, Wollaston BMW, Rock Oil, Arai, NGK spark plugs, Wilbers/Vmtek Suspension, Jap4Performance, Radicool, EBC Brakes, Kawasaki UK Ltd, GBRacing, Hideout Leathers, Premier Bodyworks, Knox, HEL, iDP Moto Ltd, CMB Motorsport, Racebikebitz/Samco hoses, Daytona boots, Pipercross, APC Wet Paint Ltd, CPL Print, Christian Baker, Trilogy Gyms, CrossFit East Northants, DnG, Sparkes Management Support, Bespoke Injury Management, Progrips, Promach, Skidmarx, The Joseph’s Experience, www.tonicwebworks.com, CHI Fire Solutions Ltd, Stomp Grip & SKINS
