Sometimes we wonder how the prequels would have unfolded if young Anakin Skywalker hadn't won that pod race. In fact, the most plausible outcome would have been Anakin crashing his pod and meeting a fiery end. This would have prompted the council to question Qui-Gon about why he would risk the life of a 9-year-old slave just to obtain a part for a ship.
Qui-gon would have lost the position of master and most likely been exiled, cutting obi wan's training short and ensuring he never attains the level of master as well. Since Anakin is no longer alive, Luke is never born, and the Jedi Order is severely understaffed. That means the Emperor, together with his original apprentice Darth Maul, can easily take over the galaxy.
It's funny to think how much was riding on little Anakin's victory in that pod-race. Well, it's a good thing he was wearing that thick plot-armor, huh?