04/26/2026
𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐄𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐜𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚
𝐇-𝟗𝟗𝟗 “𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭” • 𝐇-𝟑𝟓𝟎
For Eric, hydroplane racing has been part of life for a long time.
His uncle, Lou Currier, was Commodore at the Valleyfield Regatta, and that’s where it all started. Growing up, his mom brought him and his brother to Valleyfield every year — and they never missed a race since 1988. That’s where the hook was set.
Years later, Eric got involved on the sponsor side, backing his friend Rémy Leblanc in a 2.5 boat. Then came the offer to buy it… and that’s all it took. He raced a season in 2.5, and that winter got a call from Norman Ensbury — next thing you know, he owned an H-350. The 2.5 got sold to Mario Blain, and Eric was all in.
Results? He’s been right there.
2nd place at Valleyfield in 2016 in 2.5
Two-time runner-up in H-350 high points
Still chasing that first final win… “yet to win a damn final,” as he puts it
For 2026, it’s a new chapter.
Eric and his cousin picked up the 2024 Game On hull, and the entire offseason has been about making it theirs — dialing in the setup, cleaning up wiring, and getting everything right so he’s comfortable in the cockpit.
And he’s not lining up against just anyone.
Week in and week out, it’s some of the best in the sport — Andrew Tate, Bobby King, Bert Henderson, Pat Haworth, Paul Barber, and possibly Corey Peabody. That’s the level in H-350.
So why keep doing it?
Simple. The adrenaline.
“It’s addictive.”
But just as important — it’s the people. The friendships, the family feel in the pits, and the constant learning that comes with the sport.
Race weekend starts early. Thursday nights are for prep — fuel, food, drinks, getting the boat, trailer, and truck cleaned up and ready for the fans. He likes getting to the pits early, set up, and having a few drinks while the rest of the teams roll in.
On race day, it’s the same mindset — get there early, get the boat ready, and make sure everything is right.
The best moment? Climbing out of the cockpit after a win and high-fiving the team.
“Hopefully a final,” he adds.
For 2026, the plan is simple — be smart.
Take the time to learn the new boat, get comfortable, and build speed the right way.
