Three Times Pre-TT Classic Winner Teams Up with Maria Costello for 2021
Vicky Cooke, a three-time winner in the Blackford’s Pre-TT Classic Road Races in the Sidecar class has teamed up with Maria Costello MBE to compete in the 2021 racing season, which is about to get underway in the UK.
Vicky, from North Yorkshire, started racing at the age of 16 on F2s at club meetings and progressed to the BSB British Championship and Oliver’s Mount. Recently she has been classic sidecar racing with iconic drivers such as Eddy Wright, Brian Gray and Vince Biggs. She won the CRMC Championship in 2013, the CRMB Championship in 2016 and is a three-time winner of the Isle of Man Pre TT Classic sidecar race, with Vince Biggs in 2016 and 2017.
Northamptonshire racer Maria has taken on sidecar racing in recent years to add to her already successful career on two wheels, and is delighted to be partnered with Vicky, an accomplished passenger who comes from a family steeped in racing history.
Maria made Isle of Man TT history in 2019 by becoming the first female competitor to compete in both a sidecar TT race and a Lightweight TT motorcycle race at the same TT and on the same day.
Although the 2021 season has again be disrupted by the cancellation of the main International road races, the duo is planning on using this season on short circuits to build a partnership with the aim of tackling the Isle of Man TT together in 2022.
Maria and Vicky will make their first outing onboard the RAM Safety Solutions UK Ltd LCR F2 at the Wirral 100 event at Oulton Park this coming Bank Holiday weekend.
Maria said: “I’m more than delighted to team up with Vicky. Her passion for the sport is backed up by her success and experience. Which she has in spades – she is a three-times winner of the Isle of Man Pre-TT Races, that is an impressive pedigree. Having a shared commitment to the team and to achieving our goals makes me feel really excited about what we can achieve together. I’m so excited to get started!”
“To be given the opportunity to race with someone like Maria is a dream come true,” said Vicky. “I am looking forward to working with her and the team. We seemed to have gelled really well off the bike and with my experience as a passenger and Maria’s road racing experience, I am excited for what the future brings!”
Maria would also like to extend a special thank you to all her sponsors this year, who are making this season possible including RAM Safety Solutions who are a specialist confined space and drainage company with many years’ experience working within a variety of industries.
