No wager is as glamorous or as reckless as a bet on the pod races. These high-speed races take place across eight worlds in four tournaments, with no race being as prestigious as the renowned Boonta Eve Classic on Tatooine.

While a glamour sport for those with money to gamble, pod racing attracts only the most vile and dangerous aliens and those foolish enough to drive the jet-powered death traps. Pod racing is not a long-term sport - drivers aren't expected to last too many races. However, several heroes of the circuit have emerged, such as the vicious and cunning Sebulba.

The high speeds and dangerous courses have meant that no human could hope to survive as a pod racer, since our reactions aren't nearly quick enough. Anakin Skywalker, though, is the exception to that rule. Apparently spontaneously conceived as the "chosen one" of the Jedi order, his force powers are stronger than any Jedi Knight on record, and his ability to look into the future has given him the advantage over the rapid reaction-times of the other alien drivers.

Quick Overview of a Pod Racer
A pod racer is a highly specialized, wholly unorthodox racing vehicle. At its most basic, it is simply a cockpit pulled behind a pair of massive jet engines.

The engines of the pod racer move as a single unit (though you can control each separately by using a cheat code), and are bound together by a containment beam (which looks like colored lightning between the engines).

The cockpit is pulled behind the engines by a pair of thick cables (which also house the control linkages). The easiest analogy to imagine is a chariot pulled behind a team of very fast horses. Naturally, when a pod racer takes a corner, the engines turn the tightest, but centrifugal force will swing the cockpit out and away.

Most pod racers are cobbled together by their drivers, and each has a unique personality and performance. Pod racers come in many different sizes as well, and smaller pod racers may make it easier to navigate tight openings, while wider racers are far more stable.

During a race, your pod racer will take damage from collisions, incidental contact and the "friendly" nudging of your opponents. Damage can lead to engine or steering failure, engine fires or even total destruction.

During the course of the game, you'll be earning prize money if you're good enough. With the money, you can visit Watto's shop and purchase a multitude of upgrades for your racer or swap out damaged parts. If money is tight, the junkyard behind his shop will have some "gently used" parts that can be had at a bargain.

Next: Racing theory and strategy