Costello claims best ever finish at TT 2013
With a well-earned sixteenth place Maria Costello MBE in the BikeSocial.co.uk Lightweight race secured her best ever finish in a TT race.
Having qualified the ESM/Hol-Taj backed Kawasaki ER6 Pizza Race bike in 28th place Maria recorded a 109.75mph opening lap in the race behind newcomer Gavin Hunt in 15th but ahead of seasoned campaigner Davy Morgan.
A slick pit stop was aided by having Michael Dunlop’s usual fuel man, Martin Marlow, on petrol duty helping Maria to get back out on the road still holding onto 16th but now between Adrian Cox and Neal Champion on adjusted time.
On the road it was a battle between Costello, Paul Shoesmith and Neal Champion until the third lap when Paul dropped from the pack leaving Maria and Neal to continue their fight on the road.
At the chequered flag it was Maria who held the advantage to claim a well-deserved 16th place. Her final lap clocked in at 110.96mph with a race average just shy of the magic 110mph mark. Winner James Hillier set such a blistering pace that silver replicas were only awarded down to tenth place but Maria’s excellent performance was still enough to merit a bronze replica.
Speaking after the race Maria was delighted with her performance: “I loved every second of the race and my pit crew were once again epic!” adding ““The pizza bike never put a foot wrong. The Metzeler tyres were working perfectly from the off, as was the Wilbers suspension … and the Dymags [wheels] really improved the handling”
“I really think that this finish in a very competitive field will help me to continue flying the flag for the FIM Women in Motorcycling commission and Cranfield University and I hope to continue, and indeed build upon, this form throughout the rest of the season!” added Maria.