MARIA COSTELLO MBE is to be unveiled as the first female president of the TT Riders Association in its 66-year history.
The Northamptonshire motorcycle racer will be handed the chain of office at the association’s annual luncheon at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham early next month.
Costello, who was made an MBE in 2009 in recognition of her career as one of Britain’s leading female racers, follows in the footsteps of a host of big name stars of the sport, including more than 40 world champions and racers with more than 145 TT wins between them.
Freddie Frith was the first president, while Charles Mortimer, John Surtees MBE, Joey Dunlop OBE and Nick Jefferies are among the previous holders of the prestigious role. Costello will assume the presidency from Richard ‘Milky’ Quayle who is one of only three Manxmen to have won a TT.
The association works tirelessly to help TT racers and their families when they encounter hardship but because confidentiality is paramount, their work can often go unnoticed.
Costello will be inaugurated in her new role at the annual luncheon on Wednesday November 7, which follows the TTRA annual general meeting.
She said: “I’m honoured to become the first female to become the president of the TTRA. They are a fantastic charity and one that needs to be better recognised for all they do for TT riders and their families.
“As president, one of my goals will be to help raise their profile and therefore help even more people. I’m sure that their Friends of the TTRA could easily grow stronger – the TT event itself has such a huge and passionate following that I’m sure more fans would want to be involved in what the TTRA do.”
Non members are welcome to attend the luncheon, at which Costello is expected to arrive on a race bike!
Tickets for the event, which includes a four-course meal, are priced at £37.50, are available from Frances Thorp, honorary secretary, on 01624 843695, 07624 402505 or by email at francesthorp@manx.net.
Diners are expected to take their seats by 12.15pm.
Maria added: “It would be great to see as many people as possible at the luncheon. I’m incredible excited to be the first woman to have this role, and cannot wait to get started.”
Non-racers can help the association by joining Friends of the TTRA. Details from Frances Thorp as above.
Maria made history when she claimed third place in the 2016 Isle of Man Senior Classic TT (pictured).
Coventry Road
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