Maria Costello has spoken publicly for the first time about the serious crash during the opening day of practice for the Sidecar class at the 2026 Isle of Man TT. Costello, a veteran competitor in both solo and Sidecar racing, and her passenger Shaun Parker suffered multiple serious injuries in the accident.

Costello says the crash caused a life-changing spinal cord injury at the T5/T6 level and left her paralysed. She is now receiving rehabilitation at the Stoke Mandeville Spinal Unit, where she describes the recovery process as the hardest experience she has ever faced. In a post on her Facebook page, she said she had not previously felt able to discuss what happened, but plans to share more about the accident and her rehabilitation in the coming weeks.

Her future on a motorcycle is still unknown. Costello says she does not know whether she will ride again or complete an Isle of Man TT lap. At the same time, she has made clear that she does not intend to stop during this stage of her recovery and will fight to return to what she loves. That is a personal statement of determination, not a confirmed plan to resume racing.

Costello also said that she and Parker were lucky to survive the accident. Parker is now back at home and continues to recover and heal, although the crash caused permanent damage to one of his eyes. Costello thanked those who have sent messages, donations and other support, saying that their response had helped her reach this point and made an exceptionally difficult journey easier.