Erik Janković ahead of DONUT 10: “I currently consider myself the best driver in DONUT”

Erik Janković enters the final stage of the DONUT season following his victory at DONUT 9, where he first topped qualifying on the new Westgate City layout before reaching the final against Adrian Petričević.

The victory brought him closer to the championship battle, but it also raised the question of whether Janković’s consistency or his opponent’s mistake in the deciding tandem ultimately made the difference.

In addition to his results on track, Janković has been building his influence beyond competition. His professional approach and automotive business have led an increasing number of drivers to seek his advice, while appearances at European events continue to expand his experience beyond the regional scene.

Ahead of DONUT 10, we spoke with him about his victory at Westgate, his rivals, the title battle, his influence on the drift scene and the final round of the season.

Was DONUT 9 his victory or Petričević’s defeat?

Was DONUT 9 your victory, or did Adrian Petričević lose the final through his own mistake?

“Adrian’s mistake gave me a straightforward victory. I only needed to complete a conservative seven-out-of-ten chase run, which allowed me to control the risk of a driving mistake or putting too much strain on the car.

That gave me the opportunity to secure the win after previously taking first place in qualifying and making my way through the elimination battles.”

Brdek is the biggest threat, while the standings flatter Toma

Who is currently the most dangerous driver in the championship, and who might look better in the standings than they really are?

“Brdek is currently the biggest threat. Toma is the driver whom the standings make look better than he really is.

The statistics support that. I have not competed in every round, but he lost to me at two of the three DONUT events this year. Brdek competed at Stinice with a BMW 330i, while the other drivers have also faced different circumstances that affected their seasons.”

“None of the drivers ahead of me have beaten me this year”

Do you currently consider yourself the best driver in DONUT?

“There are several good drivers at the top of the standings, but none of the drivers currently ahead of me have beaten me at a Croatian event this year.

That is why I consider myself the best driver at the moment, which I proved at Westgate. Unfortunately, the overall standings do not show the complete picture because I was unable to compete at Stinice.

Luck affects every driver’s results and performance, but with good preparation, plenty of seat time and a strong team, its influence can be reduced to the lowest possible level.

I hope good luck will also be on my side in the final round. Having competed in only three of the four DONUT rounds by the end of the season, I have the smallest chance among the top five drivers. However, it is still mathematically possible for me to win the championship.”

More than ten years in drifting

In addition to your results on track, you are also recognised for your professional approach and the work you do, which has led more drivers to seek your advice. How do you view your influence on other drivers and the development of the regional drift scene?

“First and foremost, I drift for myself, for my own enjoyment and for the challenge this discipline gives me. Influencing the sport and giving something back only comes with time.

This is my seventh full season of competition, and I have been involved in drifting for more than ten years. I have remained undefeated as Slovenian champion since 2018 and have achieved victories in Croatia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania.

My experience, knowledge and analytical approach allow me to be one of the favourites on the Slovenian-Croatian scene and beyond. I am constantly working to improve my performance on track, and I hope that motivates other drivers as well.”

Drift Clinic, Skid Shop and sharing knowledge

Janković is not building his influence on the scene solely through competition results. His business activities also focus on helping other drivers develop their skills and improve their cars.

“Because progressing without support is difficult and expensive, I offer drivers parts, knowledge and experience through my services. Drift Clinic focuses on car setup and track coaching, while Skid Shop supplies performance parts.

As a technician, I attract a relatively small audience on social media because my presence is not built around clickable drama. At the same time, that means my followers represent the core audience—genuine drift fans who are not only interested in a few seconds of action but want to understand the discipline on a deeper level.”

The Lexus Drift Taxi as a new part of the regional scene

One of Janković’s projects is the Lexus Drift Taxi, equipped with four racing seats and a safety cage protecting every passenger.

“It is the first drift car of its kind in the region. It gives passengers an unforgettable experience, helps me close the budget for my racing programme and provides event organisers with an additional attraction.”

The Lexus Drift Taxi will also be available at DONUT 10, allowing visitors to experience the track from a perspective that cannot be captured through photographs or video.

A message to the fans and the haters

In your videos, you often address both your fans and your haters. What would you like to tell them ahead of DONUT 10, and why should they come to watch you live?

“I have never been particularly good at convincing people, which is why my videos are more like reports than sales pitches.

However, the spectacle that drifting provides is unmatched by any other automotive discipline in the region. That is especially true when the battles take place on home ground at the Bugatti Rimac proving ground in Mičevec, where the best drivers know every centimetre of the track.

If we finally get a new layout, it will be even more interesting. A flowing track configuration also allows plenty of Drift Taxi runs, which visitors will be able to experience three at a time in the Lexus Drift Taxi.”

The championship will be decided at DONUT 10

DONUT 10 will take place on 19 and 20 September at the Bugatti Rimac proving ground in Mičevec.

Janković enters the final round having competed in fewer events than the other leading contenders, but also carrying the momentum of victory in his most recent appearance. A mathematical chance of winning the championship remains, and the final outcome will be decided on track.

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