Varactyl racing was a recreational or ceremonial activity centered around the competitive racing of varactyls. During the Republic Era, the Iltan clan residing on the Inner Rim planet Pijal brought varactyls to their world. These creatures were intended to be used in the planet's ceremonial Grand Hunt event, with the hope that using varactyls in the race would provide them with a competitive edge against other participating beasts. By 40 BBY, the racing of Pijal varactyls had become a popular pastime on Pijal, particularly enjoyed by the world's lord regent, the Jedi known as Rael Averross.