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Top 5 Best Pod Racers Ranked and Why

Top 5 Best Pod Racers Ranked and Why

If podracing taught us anything, it’s that chaos, speed, and danger are a recipe for unforgettable moments. 

The tracks are ruthless, the stakes are high, and not everyone walks away unscathed. 

But a select few racers have risen above the madness, making their mark on this iconic sport.

Here are the top 5 best pod racers in our Star Wars universe.

1.  Sebulba – Collor Pondrat Plug-F Mammoth

Sebulba Scenes (Ep 1, Clone Wars)

 

Sebulba is the podracer everyone loves to hate, and for a good reason. This Dug pilot wasn’t just skilled—he was cunning, aggressive, and downright dirty.

You can’t talk about podracing without mentioning Sebulba’s signature orange podracer, the Collor Pondrat Plug-F Mammoth.

Its massive twin engines, powered by volatile tradium fuel, were built for sheer speed and brute force, making it one of the fastest—and most temperamental—machines on the circuit.

But Sebulba’s real edge came from his dirty tricks. Whether it was ramming opponents off the track or using his podracer’s mechanical claws to sabotage rivals, he knew how to win at any cost.

He dominated the podracing circuit for years, earning a reputation as both a champion and a menace.

Even though we saw him lose to Anakin in The Phantom Menace, there’s no denying that Sebulba was one of the most formidable racers ever to hit the tracks.

2. Anakin Skywalker – The Rising Star

Podrace Final Lap - Anakin Wins Boonta Eve Classic [4K HDR] - Star Wars: The Phantom Menace

How could we not include Anakin? His victory at the Boonta Eve Classic is legendary, especially since he was just nine years old. 

But it wasn’t just his age that made his win special—it was his incredible skill and bravery. 

Anakin’s podracer, with its twin engines and sleek design, was built for speed and agility.

Anakin Skywalker’s podracer, the Custom-built Radon-Ulzer 620C, was a masterpiece of ingenuity, capable of reaching a blistering top speed of 947 km/h (588 mph).

Built from salvaged parts, its twin radial engines were sleek and lightweight, designed for both speed and agility. This incredible machine allowed Anakin to outmaneuver competitors with quick reflexes and precise control.

Anakin’s ability to stay calm under pressure, even when his podracer was falling apart mid-race, is what set him apart. 

And let’s not forget the moment he outmaneuvered Sebulba in the final stretch, showing that pure skill and heart can triumph over dirty tactics. 

Anakin’s win wasn’t just a personal victory—it was a moment that shaped the future of the galaxy.

3. Gasgano – Ord Pedrovia

Gasgano’s podracer was a marvel of engineering, powered by six engines that could propel it to an incredible top speed of 820 km/h (506 mph).

What made Gasgano stand out was his ability to handle tight corners and tricky maneuvers, making him a nightmare for his competitors on more technical tracks.

While he didn’t win the Boonta Eve Classic, Gasgano’s consistent performances and fearless racing style made him a fan favorite. 

His podracer was as much about precision as it was about speed, and that balance made him one of the most respected racers in the sport.

4. Teemto Pagalies – IPG-X1131 LongTail

Teemto Pagalies may not have had the flashiest podracer, but his IPG-X1131 LongTail was built for resilience and stability. 

With a top speed of 800 km/h (497 mph), it wasn’t the fastest podracer on the circuit.

His podracer was built for stability, and that design allowed him to recover from crashes or collisions that would have knocked other racers out of the game.

Teemto’s ability to keep going, no matter what, made him a symbol of endurance. 

He might not have been a champion, but his determination and consistent presence on the track earned him respect from fans and competitors alike.

5. Ben Quadinaros – BT310 Quadra

The Phantom Menace but it’s only Ben Quadinaros

Ben Quadinaros is perhaps best remembered for his disastrous performance at the Boonta Eve Classic, where his podracer failed to start. 

But let’s give credit where it’s due—his BT310 Quadra was a marvel of innovation. 

Capable of reaching an impressive top speed of 1,220 km/h (758 mph), it was one of the fastest podracers ever built, thanks to its unique four-engine configuration.

While his bad luck often overshadowed his potential, Ben’s persistence in the face of constant setbacks is what makes him memorable. 

The BT310 Quadra’s groundbreaking design showed just how far podracing technology could be pushed, making Ben a fascinating figure in the sport despite his unfortunate debut.

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