About Maria Costello
ROLE MODEL
Maria Costello MBE is a pioneering figure in motorcycle racing, celebrated for her significant achievements in road racing and as a role model and trailblazer for women in the sport.
BREAKING BOUNDARIES
She has significantly influenced the perception of women in motorcycle racing through her boundary breaking achievements and dedication to racing, inspiring many women to consider motorcycling as a passion and a viable career option.
As a prominent and successful female figure in a male-dominated sport, Maria inspires others to challenge societal expectations and pursue their passions confidently.
ADVOCATING INCLUSIVITY
Through initiatives like women-only track days and mentorship roles, Maria has actively worked to create supportive environments for female riders, emphasizing the importance of community and guidance.
EMBRACING VERSATILITY
Transitioning from solo racing to competing on three wheels in sidecar competitions, Maria showcased adaptability and a willingness to explore diverse facets of the sport, encouraging racers to broaden their horizons.
DEMONSTRATING RESILIENCE
Overcoming challenges and setbacks throughout her career, Maria exemplifies perseverance, teaching aspiring racers the value of resilience in pursuing their goals.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
SOME OF MARIA’S RACING HIGHLIGHTS
- Isle of Man TT Podium Finish: In 2005, Maria became the first woman to secure a podium finish in a solo race at the Isle of Man TT, placing third in the Ultra Lightweight category of the Manx Grand Prix.
- Guinness World Record: For being the fastest woman to lap the Isle of Man TT course, achieving an average speed of 114.73 mph in 2004. Held for five years.
- MBE Honour: In recognition of her services to motorcycling, Maria was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2009 Birthday Honours.
- Maria is the only woman to have held the female lap record at all three International Road Races; TT, NW200 and Ulster Grand Prix.
- History was made when Maria claimed a podium finish in the Classic TT Senior race, finishing in third place alongside 23 times TT winner John McGuinnes MBE.
- The only woman in TT history to compete in both Sidecar TT races and solo Supertwin TT races. She achieved this on the same race day in 2019.
- Maria was made President of the TTRA Charity becoming the first woman and TT racer to hold this position. She went on to raise the charities profile and help generate valuable funds.
GET TO KNOW MARIA
My iPod, sketch pad and pencil
Elvis, well,…….
Steve Hislop and David Jeffries
Elvis, well,…….
Imagine a lap of the course before I start a race but I do use hypnotherapy as part of my training program and we work on many different performance enhancing techniques.
I used to have a lucky T-shirt but when I crashed in it that idea went out the window but I do put a certain boot and glove on first but it’s more habit than anything else. Listening to certain music before I set off down Bray Hill has become my only ritual.
Racing motorbikes is the best thing I’ve ever done. It has it’s up and downs and I’ve broken over 20 bones but I’ve not found anything that gives me the same buzz to replace it.
I don’t have one favourite. My favourite combinations however include the Norton Seeley 750 at Barber Motorsports in Alabama, USA. My Kawasaki ER6 Supertwin at Ulster Grand Prix and the Padgett’s Suzuki GSXR750 K2 at the Isle of Man TT course.
Pure freedom, pleasure, speed, adrenaline, euphoria and happiness [when it’s all going well].
Maria's MBE
MBE – not only validation for her racing but for her family
Maria Costello was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2009 for her services to motorcycling. The honour recognized her achievements as a pioneering female racer and her efforts in promoting women in motorsport.
Costello had already made history by becoming the first woman to stand on the podium at the Isle of Man TT, securing third place in the 2005 Manx Grand Prix. She also held the record as the fastest woman around the Isle of Man TT course for five years. Her success, combined with her work in mentoring and encouraging female riders, made her a significant figure in the sport.
Receiving an MBE was a proud moment for Costello, as it validated not only her racing career but also her contributions to the wider motorcycling community. The award highlighted the progress of women in motorsport and helped raise the profile of female competitors in what is traditionally seen as a male-dominated sport.
