Dudernia III

Dudernia III is a small, sparsely-populated Class M world located near the border with the Klingon Empire. It sits roughly between the former Federation Outposts 6 & 7 in an otherwise unspectacular system. Dudernia III is known for its expansive prairies, grassy hills, and low weathered mountains. In the early 21st Century, the Klingons claimed the planet and established large herds of targ there that thrived on various grazing plants. However, overgrazing and a pestilence eventually wiped out the herds. The planet was abandoned save a small settlement on the edge of the Trans-Larent Plain. For over a decade, no administration was established so the residents declared their independence and set up their own government.

Unfortunately, the planet had no viable economy...so the government quickly collapsed and attempts to start anew never came. The planet became a kind of trading post, where Klingons could buy and swap for Federation, Gorn, and even Romulan goods without interference from the Klingon High Council. The Treaty of Organia in 2267 did little to affect Dudernia III, as neither side showed any interest in developing the strategically-unimportant system.

In 2313, an enterprising Roman sports promoter named Meridus Dracis visited the planet and saw a perfect venue for both wheeled and LTA (lighter-than-air, aka repulsor-lift/anti-grav) racing. The long stretches of open plains were ideal terrain for off-roading. Two years later, the first race was run and Dudernia III soon became a mecca for racers from around the galaxy.