Maria Costello makes emotional race track return following Isle of Man TT accident

Maria Costello has made her return to the motorcycle racing scene by attending the Thruxton BSB round this weekend, making it her first appearance at a race track since suffering life-changing injuries at the 2026 Isle of Man TT.

Costello was hospitalised alongside sidecar passenger Shaun Parker, with both competitors revealing several updates regarding their condition on social media, since the accident.

For Costello, the accident left the female racer paralysed, while she also suffered several other injuries including a broken arm, multiple broken ribs, a broken sternum, a broken nose and eye socket, as well as a Grade 4 liver laceration and facial injuries.

These injuries have led to a recovery process that Costello described as “the biggest challenge of my life” in June. However, she has now made her first public appearance at a race track, after attending Saturday’s action at the Thruxton BSB round. 

Costello shared images of her return on social media, while also hinting at another update on her condition in the near future. The former Isle of Man TT podium finisher said: 

“Who knew that visiting a motorcycle race could be as nerve wracking and emotionally charged and yet so filled with bliss as yesterday? Thanks to everyone who made it good! Huge thanks to one of the best people on the planet Alan Gardner who made this short pit stop all possible and drove the same mileage to do so, as if driving to Knockhill. Legend! It was my longest trip away from the hospital and I am totally exhausted from it. Which is why we had to keep it short (this time) as I am still only just starting to build myself back up. 

“If you’re in the Thruxton BSB paddock today - go check out the truck (take a selfie with it and tag me!). Thanks for the kindest of words: Shaun Muir, Oli Haslam, Ginger Dave, Andrew Irwin and Graeme Irwin. This has been a huge milestone and I can’t tell you how good it felt.  It will be such a boost as I head into next week’s schedule of rehab. Keep an eye out for some updates…” 

Due to her lasting injuries, Costello’s life will continue to look very different than what it was before this year’s TT, although it’s great to see the popular racer back in a paddock. Costello’s race track return took place one day before the start of the Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix, both of which will take place over the next two weeks on the Isle of Man.

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