Road racer Maria Costello MBE was recently confirmed as the TT Riders Association’s first female president in its 67-year history.

The Northamptonshire woman was handed the chain of office at the association’s annual luncheon that again took place at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham.

The Isle of Man-registered charity assists racers and their families when they have been injured or have fallen on hard times.

Committee member, former TT regular Mick Chatterton, commented: ’We recognised Maria’s dedication to the TT and her successes round the Mountain Course.

’Combine that with her public profile and her superb PR skills and we knew she would be a great president, one who could connect the TTRA with a younger and wider audience of potential new supporters.’

Costello follows a host of greats from the world of motorcycling in this prestigious role, admitting it was a great honour: ’I will be as determined as I have been with my racing to support the charity,’ she said.

Awarded a MBE in 2009 in recognition of her career as one of Britain’s leading female racers, she assumed the presidency from Richard ’Milky’ Quayle, one of only three Manxmen to win a solo TT.

Other notable holders of the prestigious role have included John Surtees CBE, Joey Dunlop OBE and top all-rounder Nick Jefferies.

The inauguration luncheon was a great success with more than £10,000 raised from the auction. Costello’s acceptance speech was well received by a supportive audience as she started her term as the first female president.

She added: ’The association works so hard to help racers and their families when they encounter hardship or injury but the need for confidentiality means their work often goes unnoticed.

’I’ll use all my skills to help raise the profile of the TTRA and hopefully encourage more riders, fans and motorcycle groups to support the charity and become TTRA or Friends of the TTRA members.’

Costello, who is thrilled to be the first female president, continued: ’I may be the first woman in the role, but I hope many more female racers will follow in my footsteps.

’I would also like to pay tribute to another female driving force, Frances Thorp, who continues to work tirelessly with her TTRA team to make the association what it is today.’

l Non-racers can help the association by joining Friends of the TTRA. Details from Frances Thorp, honorary secretary, on 843695 or 402505 or by email at [email protected]