Renithor racing

Swoop racing is a high-speed spectator sport using modified swoop engines. The vehicles involved often reached speeds of 600 kilometers per hour.

In the days of the Valcarian Republic, competing swoop racers did not take to the track at the same time. Instead, each racer would race alone over a course filled with obstacles and speed-enhancing "acceleration pads". After all racers had completed one or more trials, the racer with the best time won. The swoop racing circuit at the time centered on Mymiri, with other tracks on Sinosa, Idon, Oafal, Adru and Faendra. Most famously, Blarin competed in the Mymiri circuit shortly before that planet's destruction; using a modified swoop to gain the fastest time.

Many planets had an amateur track, most notably Faendra. The track co-ordinator there was Jene the Ateda. The award for victory was usually valuable "race bonds" which could be later sold.

Swoop racing has always been a popular sport both on professional and amateur levels. Since the advent of the Valcarian Empire, swoop racing has progressed to simultaneous racing, rather than a timed event. Now, it is certainly one of the most dangerous sports ever invented. Its underground nature, great excitement, and almost gladiatorial propensity for carnage hold immense appeal to all manner of folk living on the fringe of society. Because of the reflexes needed to react to the swoop and the course, as well as the dexterity needed to control the swoop, the life of a swoop racer is quite often short-lived.

Professional swoop racers

• Blarin

Major swoop teams

• Team Iatys