Podracing

Podracing was a dangerous racing sport on planets such as Malastare, Kergans, Theron, Cantonica, and Tatooine. Racers could perform multiple laps on a particular race track, moving at dangerous and, at times, deadly speeds. The races were performed using craft known as Podracers or pods, which were small, one-man craft propelled by large engines.^[1] Races could then be projected in entertainment establishments throughout the galaxy.^[2]

Podracing was a sport generally partaken in by aliens. Due to that fact, the slave Anakin Skywalker believed himself to be the only human capable of podracing.^[1] In 32 BBY,^[3] he was the only member of the species who participated in those races around the Mos Espa region.^[1] During the Galactic Civil War, by the time of the skirmish on Hradreek, rumors of humans winning were heard of in the Outer Rim systems.^[4]

During the Trade Federation Invasion of Naboo, Anakin Skywalker won the Boonta Eve Classic on Tatooine, securing his freedom from a life of slavery. Betting on the races was a popular pastime with many of the watchers on Tatooine, and it was through Qui-Gon Jinn's bet with Watto, a bet that Skywalker would win the race, that Skywalker was freed.^[1]

The planet Ankhural formerly had a podracing track, but it was abandoned. Shortly after the Battle of Hoth, the Sixty-First Mobile Infantry hid from the Galactic Empire there.^[5]

In the Anoat sector, during the Iron Blockade, the Ivax Syndicate oversaw Podracing and other activities.^[6]

AppearancesEdit

Non-canon appearancesEdit

• LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures – "The Lost Treasure of Cloud City"
• LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures – "Race on Tatooine"
• LEGO Star Wars: Droid Tales – "Exit from Endor" (Appears in flashback(s))

SourcesEdit

Notes and referencesEdit