Podracing was a dangerous racing sport performed by repulsorcrafts known as podracers, which were small, one-man craft propelled by large engines. Popular on planets such as Malastare, Kergans, Theron, Cantonica, and Tatooine, individuals who competed in these games were also known as podracers.
Racers would perform multiple laps on a particular race track, moving at dangerous and, at times, deadly speeds. Races could then be projected in entertainment establishments throughout the galaxy.
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. In 32 BBY, he was the only member of the species who participated in those races around the Mos Espa region. 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.
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.
The planet Ankhural formerly had a podracing track, but it was abandoned. Shortly after the Battle of Hoth, the 61st Mobile Infantry hid from the Galactic Empire there.
In the Anoat sector, during the Iron Blockade, the Ivax Syndicate oversaw Podracing and other activities.
Podracing was outlawed by the New Republic due to its dangerous nature. Despite this, the sport was still practiced on certain remote worlds such as Batuu.