A fundraising campaign has been launched to support pioneering British motorcycle racer Maria Costello MBE following a devastating crash last week during sidecar qualifying at the 2026 Isle of Man TT that has left her facing a long and uncertain recovery… Pics: @mariacostelloracing

Costello, one of the most respected and influential female racers in road racing history, was injured alongside passenger Shaun Parker during a sidecar qualifying session at Brandish on the Isle of Man Mountain Course on May 26 when they struck a hare that ran across the circuit. They were travelling at around 140mph. The incident brought out the red flags and the session was abandoned. Both riders were initially treated at Noble’s Hospital before being transferred for further specialist care.

According to updates released through the fundraiser, Costello has sustained severe injuries including paralysis from the T5/T6 vertebrae down, multiple fractures, rib and sternum injuries, facial trauma and internal injuries. Supporters say she will require extensive rehabilitation, specialist physiotherapy and potentially further surgeries as part of her recovery.

The fundraiser has been established to help cover ongoing medical, rehabilitation and long-term care costs as Costello begins what is expected to be a life-changing recovery journey.

Maria Costello’s impact on motorcycle racing extends far beyond her results on track. A trailblazer for women in motorsport, she became the fastest woman ever to lap the Isle of Man TT course in 2004 with an average speed of 114.73mph, setting a Guinness World Record at the time. She later became the first female solo rider to stand on the podium at the Manx Grand Prix and made further history by competing in both solo and sidecar classes at the TT.

Throughout a racing career spanning more than three decades, Costello earned widespread respect for breaking barriers in one of motorsport’s most dangerous disciplines. She has collected multiple Manx Grand Prix awards, worked extensively as a mentor for emerging female racers and was awarded an MBE in 2009 for services to motorcycling.

The accident has sent shockwaves through the international road racing community, with riders, teams and fans rallying behind Costello as she begins her rehabilitation. Messages of support have flooded social media while fundraising efforts continue to gain momentum. Passenger Shaun Parker also suffered significant injuries in the crash, including multiple fractures, a collapsed lung, blurred vision and chest injuries, but has provided updates from hospital while continuing his own recovery.

Maria remains one of the most important figures in modern motorcycle racing, not only for her achievements on track but for the doors she opened for future generations of female competitors. Read more race news here…

To donate, please find the link to the GoFundMe page here…

 

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