Motourage

Splitlath Motorsport’s Jenny Tinmouth has had to put her MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship debut on hold after a parts issue at Brands Hatch yesterday.

The team will now concentrate on getting the Ellesmere Port rider’s Aprilia RSV4 machine ready for her home round at Oulton Park next weekend.

Tinmouth was set to make history on Easter Monday when she became the first female to ever line up on the BSB grid, and it is with much disappointment that the team have been forced to withdraw her from this meeting.

The drama follows a hectic week leading up to this weekend’s opening round of the leading domestic championship. On Friday’s first test session for the team, Tinmouth’s #100 machine suffered a technical problem, and the team decided the best thing was to withdraw the bike from this round and concentrate on next weekend’s race instead. Teammate Hudson Kennaugh will still race this weekend.

“We are all very disappointed to be in this situation today, especially since so much hard work has gone in from the team and Aprilia Racing,” said Team Manager John Dimbylow. “But we feel the best thing to do here is to concentrate on next weekend instead. Oulton Park is her home round, so it could be quite fitting that she makes her BSB debut there. It’s a shame and bitterly disappointing for everyone involved, but we need to stay positive and look ahead to next week instead.”

Maria Costello is determined to once again become the fastest woman around the Isle of Man TT course. The Northamptonshire racer lost the title to Jenny Tinmouth last year, but, speaking in the latest TT Newsletter, Costello says she is looking to regain the honor in 2010. Tinmouth, from Cheshire, took the top spot on lap four of the 2009 Senior TT when she completed the circuit at an average speed of 116.835mph.

Maria Costello hopes to regain her title as Fastest Woman on the Isle of Man

Costello, who was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday honors in 2009, told the TT Newsletter she wants the crown back this year.
“I can’t wait to race at the TT again in 2010,” said Costello. “I’m really looking forward to the challenge of trying to become the fastest women around the course again.”

She will have a battle on her hands to regain the title as Tinmouth, also speaking in the TT Newsletter, has confirmed she will be lining up for action at the 2010 TT as well.
“I’m already looking forward to coming back next year for some more racing between the hedges.”

Download the January 2010 Isle of Man TT Newsletter HERE.