Maria Costello MBE has built a trailblazing career as a female road racer who has shattered many glass ceilings. She began racing in 1995 and quickly made her mark by winning at Mallory Park that same year. In 2005, she became the first solo female racer to secure a podium (third place) in the ultra-lightweight class at the Manx Grand Prix, and in 2004 set a Guinness World Record as the fastest woman to lap the Isle of Man TT course at 114.73 mph, a record that stood until 2009.

Maria has endured numerous injuries – experiencing at least 24 broken bones – but continued to excel, including a podium finish at the 2016 Northwest 200 and another at the Classic TT in the Senior Classic class alongside John McGuinness. In 2019, she made history again by competing in both solo and sidecar races at the same Isle of Man TT event.

Off the track, she’s an advocate for women in motorcycling – founding the “Woman on a Motorcycle” community in 2013, mentoring up-and-coming female racers like Faye Ho’s FHO Racing squad, and organising popular women-only track days at venues such as Silverstone. She’s also been honoured with an MBE for her contributions to motorcycling, worked as a freelance journalist, stunt double, and motivational speaker, and has a strong social media presence promoting gender diversity in motorsport.

Whether breaking speed records, mentoring aspiring riders, or championing gender equality, Maria Costello represents resilience, determination, and pioneering spirit in motorcycle racing.