MC10 THRILL OF THE BUILD - STRIKE OUT ALS

Project Giving Back: Honoring Heroes at SEMA

The SEMA Show—a world of sleepless nights, relentless dedication, and passion poured into every bolt and brushstroke. It’s more than an automotive trade show; it’s an emotional whirlwind for builders and attendees alike. For us at Finish Line Speed Shop, SEMA 2015 was nothing short of life-changing.

That year, we proudly unveiled the “Dream Dart”, a custom-built 1967 Dodge Dart created for disabled Navy veteran Steve Connor and his wife, Keri. Their resilience and story of service inspired not only our team but the entire SEMA community.

That moment sparked something bigger. We knew it wouldn’t be the last time we gave back through our builds—and so the tradition of “Project Giving Back” was born.

Honoring a Legend: Mark Cain

Just one week after returning from the thrill of SEMA 2015, we received heartbreaking news. Our dear friend Mark Cain, owner of Cain Custom in Bremerton, WA, passed away after a courageous battle with ALS.

Mark was more than just a fabricator—he was a local legend. The man, the myth, the inspiration behind countless custom builds and community moments. From the time Lyon was 19 years old to the creation of the Dream Dart, Mark never hesitated to lend a hand—not just to us, but to anyone who needed help. He was the kind of guy who would drop everything to be there for a friend.

Even when ALS robbed him of his speech, Mark didn’t slow down. He still showed up at every car show, communicating through a tablet or a simple handwritten note. But truly, he never needed to say much—his smile and approving nod said it all. That quiet strength became our motivation for SEMA 2016.

As Mark’s wife Sandy would say, he did it all for “The Thrill of the Build.”

The 2016 SEMA Build: “Strike Out ALS”

To honor Mark and raise awareness for ALS, we set out to build something unforgettable for SEMA 2016. The result was a jaw-dropping 1975 Chevrolet C10, designed to turn heads and tell a story of resilience, community, and love.

Every part of that truck was crafted in Mark’s memory—built with the same heart and hustle he showed in every project he touched. We dedicated the build to helping others affected by ALS and committed the proceeds to support ALS research and family assistance.

In the summer of 2017, the truck was auctioned at the Mecum Auction in Portland, with proceeds donated in Mark’s honor to aid the fight to “Strike Out ALS.”

What Is ALS?

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)—commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease—is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that destroys the brain’s motor neurons. These neurons send signals to muscles, allowing us to move, speak, eat, and breathe. As ALS progresses, these signals shut down, causing muscle atrophy and eventually complete loss of voluntary muscle control.

It’s a devastating disease. But through awareness, fundraising, and community support, we can make a difference for families currently living with ALS.

Legacy Through Action

Mark Cain’s legacy lives on in every build we touch. Through Project Giving Back, we honor the people who shaped us—and we use our skills to lift others the way Mark always lifted those around him.

Finish Line Speed Shop is proud to support ALS awareness and carry forward “The Thrill of the Build” in Mark’s name.