Maria Costello

Motorcycle racing // British

I’m not racing against the men; I’m racing against the clock and myself.

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nickname:

Queen of the Mountain

Birthday:

August 3, 1973 (52)

Birthplace:

Northampton, England

racing type:

Motorcycle racing

team(s):

racing status:

height (cm):

165

residence:

Spratton, Northamptonshire, England

inspiration(s):

Sandra Barnet, Bridget McManus

guilty pLEASURES:

FOLLOWING:

GRRL! Number:

GRRL-0502

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profile updated: June 12, 2025

Maria Costello is a pioneering British motorcycle racer who broke barriers as the first female solo racer to podium at the Isle of Man TT and set a Guinness World Record for the fastest woman to lap the challenging Snaefell Mountain course.

EARLY YEARS

Growing up in a rural village near Northampton, Maria’s journey into motorsports began unexpectedly. After leaving school, she worked as a trainee veterinary nurse, commuting to Northampton on her first motorbike – a Honda Melody scooter that gave her a taste of freedom. Family friends encouraged her interest in motorcycles, introducing her to dealerships where she fell in love with a Yamaha TZR125, her first proper motorbike. A pivotal moment came when she was knocked off her bike by a driver with impaired eyesight; while recovering from her injuries, the compensation she received enabled her to purchase her first race bike, marking the true beginning of her racing career.

EARLY SUCCESS

Maria’s motorsport career began almost serendipitously around 1994 when she joined an all-female racing team. Her natural talent quickly became evident when she secured her first win at England’s Mallory Park circuit during her debut season in 1995. This early success fueled her competitive spirit as she rapidly developed into a formidable racer across Europe. She gained valuable experience competing in prestigious events including the European Superstock races, British Superstock Championship, and the Honda CB500 Cup Championship. Her grit and determination were further highlighted by a notable third-place finish at the Cookstown 100 Supersport 400 race during her debut appearance at the event, demonstrating her adaptability to different racing circuits and conditions.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

1995: First racing victory at Mallory Park circuit in England[1].
2004: Set Guinness World Record as the fastest woman to lap the Isle of Man TT course, with an average speed of 114.73 mph[5].
2005: Became the first female solo racer to finish on the podium in a TT or Manx Grand Prix race, taking third place in the Ultra Lightweight category on a Honda RVF400[1][4][5].
2005: Won Northamptonshire Sports Personality of the Year Award, beating athletes from higher-profile sports like football, rugby, and cricket[4].
2010: Published autobiography “Queen of Bikers”[6].
Unspecified year: Awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to motorcycling[6].

REPUTATION

Throughout her three-decade career, Costello has earned a reputation as a fearless competitor and a trailblazing figure for women in motorsports. Her achievements at the Isle of Man TT – one of the world’s most challenging and dangerous motorcycle races – demonstrate not only her exceptional skill but also her courage in pushing boundaries in a male-dominated sport. Beyond her racing prowess, Maria is recognized as a pioneering voice who has helped transform perceptions about women’s capabilities in high-speed motorcycle racing. Her determination to succeed against considerable odds has made her an inspirational figure for aspiring female racers. The recognition of her contributions through awards and honors, including an MBE, further cements her status as a respected ambassador for women in motorsports who has helped pave the way for greater female participation in racing.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

As Maria enters her 30th year in motorcycle racing in 2025, she shows no signs of slowing down. She’s set to compete in her 17th Isle of Man TT, racing in both the Supertwin class on a VRS Racing Kawasaki Z650 and the Sidecar TT races. In a groundbreaking move, she’ll partner with 20-year-old newcomer Alice Smith to form an all-female sidecar team, supported by title sponsor Galgorm Resort. This partnership represents a significant milestone in increasing women’s visibility in motorsports and reflects her ongoing commitment to opening doors for female racers. Through this collaboration and her continued presence in high-profile racing events, Costello aims to inspire the next generation of women to pursue careers in motorsports, building on her legacy as one of the sport’s most influential female figures.