Maria Costello to Race at South African Classic TT Series

Northampton racer Maria Costello announced she is heading off to compete on a Trident Engineering Suzuki XR69 in the annual South African Classic TT Series, which runs over three consecutive weekends at three different circuits.

“I’ve been invited by my Manx Grand Prix mentor and TT legend Mick Grant. Mick has been taking racers and enthusiasts to South Africa to escape the English winter since before I was born. To get an invite is just unreal and massive thanks go to my sponsor and owner of the XR69 Steve Wheatman of Hol Taj for making this dream come true,” stated Costello.

The series kicks off on January 22, 2011, at the Historic East London Grand Prix circuit followed by a two day event at the Zwartkops Raceway, concluding with another two day event at the Killarney Racetrack in CapeTown.

“The Zwartkops event coincides with the 50th anniversary of the circuit and more spectators are expected to attend this three day event than attended the recent World Superbike Event at Kyalami,” the statement reads.

The former Isle of Man TT female lap record holder will be riding the same Suzuki XR69 she used to compete on in the Manx Grand Prix Senior Post Classic race in 2010.

The racing bikes taking part in the series date from 1988 back to the early days of motorcycling. Maria’s bike is a replica of the XR69 machine that Granty won the Isle of Man Senior TT on.

Others include a Yamaha TR 750 two stroke grand prix bike, a Ducati 888 Desmo that won a British Superbike Championship in the hands of Carl Fogarty and an ex-factory Suzuki RG500 Grand Prix bike that has been ridden by both the late Barry Sheene and Mick Grant.