Maria Costello MBE takes to the track in a different role next week, when she hosts a women’s only track day at the Teesside Autodrome on Monday 30 September 2013.
Maria’s new venture aims to encourage more women to try track riding by giving those who feel intimidated an all female environment and perfect place to improve riding skills and increase confidence, as well as enjoy social time with like-minded women.
Costello, who was awarded an MBE for services to motorcycling in 2009, has a long list of accomplishments on two wheels, achieving a Guinness World Record in 2004 by becoming the fastest woman to lap the Isle of Man TT course. She also made history at the 2005 Manx Grand Prix when she took third place in the Ultra Lightweight category, becoming the first ever women to take a podium finish in either a TT or Manx GP.
With over 15 years of motorcycle riding and racing experience, she now feels she is in a position to give something back to other female bikers and she will be providing mentoring and on-track tutoring to those attending the track day.
“I hope that like-minded ladies and women who have felt somewhat intimidated by the traditional style track days can get out there and experience their bikes in a safe, track-based environment. This track day welcomes all levels of ability and types of motorcycle. I’ve had a lot of women in the past comment on how they would never be brave enough to do such a thing. This event will encourage a lot of ladies to make that step, which can only be good for motorcycling in general.” explained Maria.
It’s not just women bikers who have shown an interest as the track day has attracted a number of forward thinking companies, including a new printing partner – Print Monkey – who have come on board to support the event by producing the certificates that will be awarded to all of the women who complete the Teesside track day.
“We are very excited to be associated with the women only track day and such a great role model for women in sport. Maria Costello MBE can connect us to new clients and businesses that we would maybe have overlooked. Being part of the track day is great and we hope it will bring lots of women together who enjoy motorcycling.” added Emma Moore from Print Monkey.
Other companies supporting the track day by providing prizes and awards include GBRacing, Knox, Racebikebitz, EBC Brakes, Scorpion exhausts, Cranfield University and Ashgrove Health.
“I’m very excited about my new projects and I hope these women only track days are a success so that I can do more events in the future.” concluded Maria.
Maria will also be hosting a women only group at a Silverstone track day on the 3rd October.
Enquiries or bookings for the Teesside event should be directed to woam@costelloracing.com or visit
http://www.costelloracing.com/woam.html Places are limited and cost £135.