Each year at the Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition, there’s one feature that draws the crowd in closer, gets the cameras snapping, and makes the lifters’ eyes light up: the Mudcat Strength Car.
It’s not just a prop. It’s a symbol.
A symbol of grit. Of raw power. Of community.
But this year, that symbol needed a serious refresh.
After years of proud use, it was time to retire the original car that helped define the competition’s identity—and build something new. And so began a months-long effort powered by local heart, muscle, and generosity.
^ Click on the photo above to scroll through the transformation. Organized and custom painted by Klear Kustom Classic Car Restoration.
From Rust to Riveting: How the New Mudcat Car Was Born
It started with a phone call between two local legends—Klear Kustoms Classic Car Restoration and Plazek Auto Recyclers. Plazek stepped up right away, donating the vehicle that would become the foundation of this year’s new Mudcat Car.
From there, the project roared to life.
On a sunny weekend, a crew of committed community businesses came together to strip the car down and prep it for its transformation. Armour Protective Solutions, Express Care Valvoline, and Hamilton Boiler Works Limited rolled up their sleeves, yanked out the seats, removed interior panels, safety hazards, and anything else that wouldn’t survive a flip or a press. It was all hands on deck—grinders, gloves, and pure determination.
Klear Kustoms took it from there—removing the engine and transmission, welding custom safety bars, and getting the body prepped for paint. Then came the finishing touches: a striking paint job, sponsor tagging, and that signature Mudcat flair that makes it one-of-a-kind.
Finally, our friends at Wally’s Garage handled multiple tows throughout the process—getting the car exactly where it needed to be, exactly when we needed it.
More Than Metal: Why the Car Matters
For those who’ve attended the competition year after year, you know this isn’t just a car. It’s the soul of the event—a centerpiece that reflects Mark Haines’ legacy and the power of a community that never backs down from a challenge.
Lifters train all year for their shot at flipping it. Spectators flock to the barriers to cheer on every grunt, every push. Kids gather for photos in front of it. It’s part of the Mudcat magic.
And this year’s car? It’s built not just to last, but to inspire.
Help Us Name the New Mudcat Car!
We’ve got the car.
We’ve got the team.
Now all we need is you.
We’re calling on the community to help name the new Mudcat Strength Car—a name worthy of its power, presence, and the people who made it possible.
Drop your suggestions in the comments, or send us a message through the Mudcat Festival Facebook Page.
Special Thanks to Our Strength Car Crew:
We couldn’t have done this without the support and sweat of these incredible businesses:
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Plazek Auto Recyclers – for donating the car
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Klear Kustoms Classic Car Restoration – for leading the build, custom painting and transformation.
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Armour Protective Solutions, Hamilton Boiler Works Limited, and Express Care Valvoline – for stripping the car and lending hands-on help
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Wally’s Garage – for generously donating multiple tows
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Willowdale Water Haulage – for donating their truck for the truck pull challenge
- BUCKS by Tatra – for keeping everyone refreshed and hydrated with bottles of water!
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Bay King Chrysler, Dunnville Craft Emporium, Minor Bros Country Living, South Coast Wellness, Arms Open Counselling, We Move 4 U and MXC Excavating Inc. – for your generous sponsorships and support
Your time, tools, and trust in this event made all the difference.
