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Podracing is a fictional concept in the Star Wars universe. The concept of podracing seems to be inspired by chariot racing (cf Ben-Hur) and is done with fast-moving podracers, which are a generic term used to describe
any of the small, one-man repulsorcraft composed of a floating anti-gravity pod propelled by dual (or sometimes quadruple) turbine engines. The engines are not physically connected to each other, but are linked by power couplings apparently consisting of plasma discharges of some kind; they are connected to the pods by long cables.
Each pod contains the driver, and is connected by Steelton control cables to the turbine engines. The pod contains a repulsorlift engine, that keeps the craft at a specific, low-level altitude. The turbine engines - from two to four per pod - are incredbily powerful, and are connected by an energy binder that keeps them from flying apart. Podracing was popularized in the Outer Rim during the last decades of the Old Republic. Because of the reflexes needed to react to the pod and the course, as well as the dexterity needed to control the pod racer, nearly all pod racers were non-humans. Sometimes, at least four hands were needed to maintain control of the ship, while sharp reflexes and quick thinking were needed to anticipate the course as the small craft are propelled forward at speeds reaching 900 kilometers per hour and more.
Podracing appears primarily in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, where the Boonta Eve Podrace sponsored by Jabba the Hutt is contended by Anakin Skywalker, Sebulba and others.
In Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones one of the monitors in the nightclub scene depicts podracing. This podrace is actually footage from the Podrace video game.
Podracing is also seen in the Expanded Universe, notably on Malastare, Oovo IV and other low gravity worlds. In The Phantom Menace, the podracing on Malastare was mentioned in passing by Qui-Gon Jinn.
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