The female motorcycle racer series takes a closer look at women that have shaped the industry, often through impressive and inspirational biking achievements. 

This time we’ll be focusing on the world record holder, and the only female motorcycle racer to be awarded an MBE, Maria Costello. 

A Prominent Figure In Motorsport 

Her career took off during her debut season in 1995, when Costello achieved her first win at England’s Mallory Park circuit.   

Since then she has gone on to accumulate various accolades in a career spanning 20 years. She achieved an impressive third place in the 2005 Manx Grand Prix, in the Ultra Lightweight category. The victory saw her recognised as the first female solo racer in history to claim a podium finish, in either the Isle of Man TT or Manx GP – riding an RLR Motorsports Honda RVF400. 

The Fastest Woman In The Isle Of Man 

In 2004, Costello became the fastest woman to lap the course at the Isle of Man TT, setting a Guinness World Record in the process. Racing what’s been described as the world’s most dangerous racing route, she managed to sustain an average speed of 114.73 mph around the Snaefell mountain track.

It wasn’t until 2009 that the world record was finally broken again by Jenny Tinmouth, who also did it again in 2010, with an average speed of 119.45mph. 

A Career Of Remarkable Resilience And Determination 

Throughout her career, she has overcome numerous injuries, suffering at least 24 broken bones. 

However, her achievements always kept coming, Costello secured the lap record and her best finish so far, at the 2016 Vauxhall International Northwest 200. Also another podium finish came at the Isle of Man Senior Classic TT – alongside her hero, John McGuinness, a 23 times TT winner. 

Legacy

Her success as a female motorcycle racer and triumphs on the track gained her accolades and media attention. She has won the BBC Northampton Sports Personality of the Year, gained an MBE from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace, become a published author, and even featured in the film industry – as a stunt double for Reese Witherspoon.

In 2013, she founded the ‘Woman on a Motorcycle’ community – where female motorcyclists share their experiences and ideas, to help pave the way for more women racers and bike riders alike. 

Costello continues to run women only track days to this day, often for up to 70 plus riders at world renowned circuits like Silverstone. BMW Motorrad UK selected her to be the face of their support women riders initiative in 2016.  

Maria Costello’s extraordinary motorcycle career, along with her talents and achievements, have undoubtedly succeeded in challenging  gender stereotypes, in a male-dominated industry.

Hans Koberger [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons