COMPETITION NOW CLOSED!

Congratulations to Caleb Mattern, Dmcii and Ken Haylock.
Please email your address to gaelle@motoracereports.com

To celebrate the Isle of Man TT starting on the 30th of May, MotoRaceReports, in partnership with Duke Video is giving away 3 copies of the TT 2010 On Bike Laps (3 Disc) DVD.

Experience the Isle of Man TT like never before, with the best quality on-bike footage ever recorded around the legendary 37.73-mile Mountain course.
For two weeks every year public roads become the world’s most famous racetrack and the bravest and most skilled riders put their courage and abilities to the ultimate test.
Now you can join the stars for 13 complete laps recorded from on-board the racing machines during the 2010 TT.
It is a white-knuckle thrill-ride and you will be leaping back from the screen as walls, hedges and houses flash past, just inches from the camera, at speeds approaching 200mph.

Full DVD Description HERE

How to enter

Leave a comment and tell us why you love the Isle of Man TT. The best 3 entries will win the DVD set.

You have until Sunday 22nd of May 2011, Midnight (UK time) to enter. Good luck!

The Isle of Man TT is one of the most prestigious motorcycle racing event in the world and one of the very few held on closed public roads.

Since 1907, men (and women) have been flocking to the island to race fast bikes and try to win the “King of the Mountain” title. The film follows riders (mainly Guy Martin, John McGuinness and Ian Hutchinson) throughout their Isle of Man TT adventure.

So if you are not into bike racing, what’s in there for you?

To start with, it provides a good short introduction to the history of Isle of Man TT using old archive footage and accounts from insiders (current & Ex riders, fans, people who live on the island…).
A fascinating story, well presented, which make it easy for the uninitiated to understand what the TT is all about.

The film was shot in 3D last year, using the latest technology available and includes scenes on the bikes themselves in hair-raising detail, giving you a taste of what it is like to race down a public road at 200mph! Even bits that are not in 3D are enhanced. The colours are more vivid, the screen seems more vibrant. It definitely adds to the experience.

Thrills aside, the human stories are what make this documentary worth watching, whether or not you are into bike racing.
The story focuses mostly on 4 Isle of Man TT riders: Guy Martin, John McGuinness, Conor Cummins and Ian Hutchinson.

Each rider comes with his own personal story, his own personality, but Martin pretty much steals the show.
Many of you don’t need an introduction. Some of you in the UK have probably also come across Guy on the BBC in “The Boat That Guy Built” series.
Truck mechanic, Dambusters expert, tea addict, a racer and Jack of all trades, Guy’s humour and “don’t give a damn” attitude really carries the film along.

The movie provides a great insight into the reasons why riders are prepared to risk their lives every year.
Many have died tragically in their attempt to become the “King of the Mountain” and there are several accounts of bad injuries and loss through the film.
Most touching of all is the story of Bridget Dobbs (wife of the late Paul Dobbs). The woman is a tower of strength who understands that her husband died doing what he loved. In her own words: “I’ve lost my husband , but the TT is still magical, it is bigger than the guys who are here today”. Bridget embraces life and really is a true inspiration.

In the end, “TT3D: Closer to the Edge” would appeal to anyone with a heartbeat. It combines laughter, tears, friendships, love, speed…
The movie provides food for thought about freedom of choice and the importance of living life to its fullest.

“TT3D: Closer to the Edge” will be in cinemas nationwide on the 22nd of April.

Editor’s note: I made a personal decision to review this film more from a non racer point of view as I thought it may be useful for some of you trying to lure friends or partners to the cinema to see it.

A special Thank You to Moviegrrl for inviting me to review.
Her website can be found HERE

According to the Isle of Man TT website – Discovery Networks has the TV rights to air the 2010 Isle of Man TT races.

DISCOVERY HD is now airing episodes – check their website for scheduling information!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqWsflCGWFw

Video Link for iPhones -- Play Video

The first 500cc class FIM World Championship GP round held on the Isle of Man was in 1949. The race length was 7 laps.

If you plan on following the action at this year’s Isle of Man TT event, be sure to check out TT Live! Here is a small excerpt from the website:

TT Live! gives you online access to the commentary from the Official Broadcast Partner Manx Radio TT and live timing from the circuit as each practice session and race unfolds.

Our unique dashboard design lets you watch the times and speeds as the top riders cross the timing beams at six points on the 37.73-mile course, as well as the speed traps at Sulby and the TT Grandstand.

Best of all, TT Live is free for 2010!  The service starts on May 29th.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRpHJlaG_-U

www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOPQgXllTJk

www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FVpN5q7qUA

Maria Costello was born in Northampton England on June 9, 1977, and even though she’s not quite 33 years old, she retains a racing career that dates all the way back to 1995. In her 15 years, she has diligently set the bar for female racers who have preceded her, especially when it comes to the Isle of Man TT road race.

Becoming one of the first female solo racers to stand on the podium at the Isle of Man TT and the Manx Grand Prix, Maria has had a remarkable historical racing career and continues to strive for excellence as a professional racer in 2010.  Maria has a lot to prove this year. With a two year span of setbacks due to injury and a 5 year standing TT record that was broken by Jenny Tinmouth; a fellow British racer and contending rival,  Maria will be even more competitive than ever. To add to the adventure, Maria has opted to race a BMW, a bike that hasn’t been seen on the TT grid in over 30 years.

Her fans affectionately call her “Elvis”, making it obvious that Maria has a radiant charisma about her that shows in her style and successes as an established professional racer.

Cindi Servante from Moto Race Reports interviewed Maria to unveil the many layers of her multi-faceted life and career.

What inspired you to become a motorcyclist, when did you start and what was your first motorbike?

Maria Costello MBE – Does a Honda Melody 50cc scooter count as a motorbike? I was 16/17 years old and needed transport to get to work, training to be a Veterinary nurse. So, I bought the moped with some money I’d earned from looking after peoples pets. It didn’t give me any street credibility, just independence. I would say that my first proper motorbike came a year or so later when I got a Yamaha TZR125, it was derestricted pretty soon after I got it.

With a racing career that dates back to 1995, can you give a brief summery of your racing career?

Maria Costello MBE – Started short circuit racing on a Suzuki RGV50 in 95’, I loved this bike. The following year I was approached by Sandra Barnet, a former female TT lap record holder and joined her and another lady Bridget McManus in 1996 in an all-girl team. That team took me to the Manx Grand prix for the first time. Since then, I’ve been hooked on road racing and have raced at the Manx Grand Prix pretty much every year. I think my race history is listed on my website until 1999 when I went to the TT.

I continued to do short circuit racing on very meager budget, but raced in some fantastic one-make series, such as the Honda CB500 Cup and Honda Hornet Cup.  I also competed on a Fireblade in the British Superstock Championship in 2000.
In 2004 I became the fastest woman to lap the TT course and in 2005 I was the first woman to stand on the TT podium, 3rd in Ultra lightweight race, MGP.

In 2006 I broke my leg at Keppel Gate (MGP) and it took until last year for me to regain my confidence. In 2009 I was awarded an MBE for services to motorcycling and I realized then that I’d become a role model in the sport and particularly to women. I am now proactive in supporting my fellow female competitors. I want to do more to encourage women everywhere that they can succeed in a sport, work or life in general, despite the odds, even if the arena is male dominated. This year I’m returning to the TT, in attempt to regain my 1995 title!

Becoming the first female solo racer to stand on the podium at the Isle of Man TT and the Manx GP, can you describe how the experience was for you?

Maria Costello MBE - Euphoric! It remains one of the best days of my career. I can pretty much remember every detail about that day and the race. The best part was crossing the finish line and then as I rode up the return road I was waved into the winners’ enclosure. I only wish I’d ridden a 400 at the MGP earlier on in my career, as it was so much fun. The podium finish made all the work, money and effort in getting to the Manx, all worth while.
It gave something back to all my sponsors & supporters and it showed what women can accomplish in a man’s world. I hope my achievements have inspired some women to take up riding and even racing, to have the opportunity to experience the feeling. I was high on cloud nine for months and months!!

In holding the record as the fastest female solo racer for 5 years, how do you feel about competing against Jenny Tinmouth this May at the Isle of Man TT and how confident are you in beating her 116.8mph aver. lap record?

Maria Costello MBE – I have total respect for Jenny, she is a highly talented racer and a lovely person to know. I think that our rivalry will be used a lot in the run up to the event. I only see it as a positive and the TT is surely all the better for having more women compete there! I look forward to the challenge!  It has given me a boost and I will be attempting to regain the female lap record in the forthcoming TT.

Can you expand on what you and your team are doing in preparation for the TT race this year?

Maria Costello MBE – The plan is to get as much track time as possible before we hit the main International events of the NW200 and TT. The team tested in Portugal at the start of the year at the fantastic Parkalgar circuit. Then some other test sessions have followed at various tracks including Pembrey and Rockingham in the UK.

I have competed in two short circuit events and my teammate, Davy Morgan competed at Scarborough. We both contended in the Cookstown 100 in North Ireland at the end of April, where I raced my CMS Honda RVF400. On my return, I commenced testing the S1000RR BMW. I was also able to race the Yamaha R6 at Snetterton before we, as a team, head back to North Ireland for the International North West 200 and then on to the TT.

Can you explain your involvement with BMW and the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy?

Maria Costello MBE – I have an amazing personal sponsor and good friend by the name of Tony Morris. He bought the BMW for me to race at the NW200 and Isle of Man TT races.  It was a magnificent gesture by Tony to buy this bike for me and I fully intend to repay his faith in me. The BMW S1000RR has had fantastic reviews and BMW WSBK racers Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus have proved this bike is competitive. I think it will make a great TT bike.

Is there a person(s) that you consider to be an idol or mentor to you?

Maria Costello MBE – My idols in this sport are no longer with us, David Jefferies and Steve Hislop. I have admiration for many others, especially those who compete at the TT. I have a small group of people who I consider as my ‘team’ and they include Tony Morris my personal sponsor and the head of CSC Racing – Steve Caffyn My team mate Davy Morgan and performance coach David Sutton. Between them all, they keep me on track – in more ways than one!

This past year, you were appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire by Prince Charles. What did this mean for you and is it true you arrived by motorbike?

Maria Costello MBE – I’ve always loved riding and racing and pushing boundaries, in particular becoming the fastest woman in the UK to lap the TT course.

Getting the MBE made me realize that I have a larger role to play in this world of motorcycling, it has made me even more determined to achieve more for all women.

If it wasn’t for my friend Damian Rowley, who works for Virgin limo bikes, I probably would have missed the ceremony. Thankfully he rescued me from a terrible traffic jam, on the back of his motorbike! So, yes, it’s true!

What is the story behind why your fans call you “Elvis?”

Maria Costello MBE - It’s a nick name that was given to me when I was about 9 years old by my friend Eve Jones. It’s all down to my surname. Like the famous singer Evis Costello! I guess it got around and the nick-name took off with the fans.

It’s hard to believe it’s been over thirty years since the official BMW team has made its presence known at the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy race when German racers, Helmut Dahne and Hans Otto Butenuth last represented BMW in the late 70’s. For this race season, Maria Costello has been given the honor of piloting the BMW S1000RR in three key races, Superstock, Superbike and Senior TT races, thanks to her personal sponsor and close friend, Tony Morris.

With the aide of her team, sponsors and BMW and an extraordinary talent for the two wheeled machines, its obvious Maria has a prodigious edge to her competitors for 2010.

To stay up to date with Maria, don’t forget to check out her website Maria Costello Racing and her Facebook fan page.

Cheers Maria!