NGK sponsored, ‘Queen of the Bikers‘, Maria Costello narrowly missed out on another podium finish at the recent Isle of Man Classic TT Festival of Motorcycling.

Maria rode to an impressive fourth place in the Senior Classic TT on the Beugger Racing Paton 500 in a race that was reduced to three laps following the tragic death of Kiwi racer Chris Swallow. The race was won by John McGuinness, who claimed his third Classic TT win with Italian International Northwest 200 winner Stefan Bonetti second.

Maria said, “Of course another podium would have been magical, but those three guys who finished ahead of me are among the best road racers around and considering our lack of practice I’m truly proud of where I finished.” Speaking of the tragic death of Chris Swallow she added, “He was a brilliant racer and we’d shared some great races. My heart breaks for his family and my most sincere condolences go out to his father Bill, his wife Jen and their children.”

NGK Spark Plugs Marketing Manager Mark Hallam said, “Maria produced a fantastic performance and narrowly missed making the podium. Sadly the risks taken by Maria and her fellow racers were once again highlighted by the tragic death of Chris Swallow.”