These Vintage Photos Prove That Roller Derby Has Always Been Cool

A Major Success

Teams were disqualified from the competition if both members were off the track during skating times. 16 teams dropped out of the race due to exhaustion or injuries, but the remaining nine managed to complete the grueling endurance race. The winning team, Clarice Martin and Bernie McKay maintained the lead spot for the final 11 days of the event.

A Portable Track

Following the success of the original event, Seltzer packed up camp and hit the road, taking the Transcontinental Roller Derby throughout the nation with a portable track that allegedly cost $20,000. Crowds averaging 10,000 people gathered to watch the race every day.

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Post originally appeared on Upbeat News.