M O T O R I N G

The return of the Speed Queens, MARIA COSTELLO MBE by Photojournalist Lara Platman

I first met Maria Costello MBE about fifteen years ago at Goodwood Revival, in the holding paddock alongside the classic motorbike she was about to race in the Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy, we briefly discussed if there were any other women racing on the grid that weekend. To this very day Maria and I discuss the same question but with such a difference. So much has changed and it is a very exciting horizon for women in the motor race industry at the moment. With the new W Series launched this year, dedicated to women driving the same format & cylinder of car on the same circuits as the usual mixed mainstream races, of which 20% of the women that made it onto that racing grid this year are from the United Kingdom. The British Women Racing Drivers Club goes from strength to strength and many of the female stunt riders and drivers in the current blockbuster films are from these Isles. Yes, once again, women are being seen behind the wheel more and more. Classic motor racing is also at an all-time high such as the Vintage & the Historic Sports Car Clubs running races, sprints, hill climbs and trials at various locations all over the UK and Europe, along with specific major annual events such as Goodwood Revival, Donington Historic and Silverstone Classic creating a showcase for a variety of races of different eras and race cars including motorcycles too of course. www.thefrankmagazine.com