At 21 years old, Eric Kananowicz, "Ricky”, is paving his way as a promising talent in the world of competitive drifting. A third-year student at the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH), Eric is pursuing a degree in High-Performance Motorsports and Automotive, combining his education with his passion for building and racing drift cars.

​

Having recognized the potential of this emerging motorsport, Eric and a handful of his peers spearheaded the effort with UNOH to create the UNOH Drift Club.  He is one of the core founders and current president of the UNOH Drift Club, a thriving community of 20-somethings who share their love for cars and competitive drifting. Eric’s leadership played a pivotal role in the group who gained school approval to launch a club for students to pursue their passion in motorsports and to enjoy the thrill of drifting responsibly.

​

In 2023, Eric interned with the Feal Suspension team in Formula Drift, which further fueled his passion to achieve a career in competitive drifting. Over the past three years, Eric has been dedicated to improving his driving skills and modifying his car, building a competitive pro drift car from the ground up—on jack stands in his garage.  By the end of the year, Eric had modified his 2006 Mustang GT to meet Formula Drift specifications to begin competing. 

​

This past year, Eric competed in the Formula Drift PRO-AM Licensing Series and plans to do so again in 2025, with the ultimate goal of securing his Pro Spec license in the future. Balancing a triad of responsibilities that include a full-time college schedule, part-time work and countless hours building his car, Eric is determined to bring his dream to reality. His social media presence continues to grow, with video journals documenting his journey.

​

Known for his drive, passionate leadership, and visionary mindset, Eric is an advocate for the sport’s growth. He is in the age group of the sport’s target fan base, bringing more visibility to the sport while continuing to refine his skills.

​

Eric is preparing for an active 2025 season with plans to compete across the U.S., as well as staying focused on his ultimate goal: to become a professional drift driver. Whether it’s through his achievements in competition, social media influence, or pioneering initiatives such as the UNOH Drift Club, Eric Kananowicz is a name to watch in the world of motorsports.