Honky Tonk Heartbreakers: Moseyin' on up to the Carolinas

It’s all about ten gallons and eight wheels this weekend, as the Texas Rollergirls’ Honky Tonk Heartbreakers and the TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls’ Rhinestone Cowgirls both look to rope and tie the opposition on the Roller Derby track.

TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls

Can anyone knock the shine off the Rhinestone Cowgirls? First they schooled the Holy Rollers in February, then they declawed the Hellcats last month. This Saturday the Las Putas Del Fuego will see if they can put some dust on that Cowgirl perfect streak. If the undefeated rough riders can put out the Putas’ fire, then it will brand them as the team to beat come the Calvello Cup bout in October. The banked track battle will be July 9 at the Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs: First whistle 7pm, doors 6pm. Tickets $13 online or from a vendor, $15 on the door.

Texas Rollergirls

A week off at home for flat track fans, but it’s a serious road game for the Honky Tonk Heartbreakers. They’ve saddled up to deliver a lesson in derby, Texas-style, to the Columbia QuadSquad All-Stars in South Carolina. CQS just entered the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association’s apprentice program in April, so playing an iconic team like the Heartbreakers is a big step toward becoming a full fledged association member.

July will also be a landmark month for Austin’s own traveling Texecutioners, who get to play their second home bout since making the Austin Convention Center their permanent residence. What better way to keep breaking in the new track on the national stage than hosting the 2011 WFTDA national championship hosts, the Denver Derby Dolls, on July 16. Two weeks later the Texies will be doing some traveling of their own when they head to Houston to take on … Montreal (wait, am I reading that right? Yup, Montreal. Huh.) Yup, Canada’s New Skids on the Block will be in Screwston on July 30 for a massive double header, where they will face the Texies and Houston’s own HaRD Knocks: Throw in a Houston Roller Derby mixed scrimmage to the deal, and this seems like an unmissable treble bill. Tickets for the Houston hellraising on sale now.

This article appears in July 8 • 2011.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.