Toledo man turns custom car into fundraiser for The Victory Center

Cancer survivor Scott Sheridan is using his one-of-a-kind ride to raise money for The Victory Center and earn a chance to rappel down a downtown building.

TOLEDO, Ohio — You might hear it before you see it — a cheerful “ka-chow!” echoing through a parking lot.

That’s the signature sound of Scott Sheridan’s custom Miata, affectionately known as “Toledo’s Lightning McQueen.” Covered in bold red graphics and inspired by the beloved Pixar character, the car has become a mobile joy machine.


But Sheridan says the real purpose goes beyond fun.

“It makes people happy,” he said. “And I have fun adding more to it.”

From a remote-controlled sound effect to eye-catching decals, the car is designed to spark conversation — and it works.

What started as a creative project quickly grew into something bigger.

Sheridan took the car on a cross-country journey along Route 66 to California, delighting strangers along the way. When he returned, he realized the car could do more than just entertain—it could inspire.

Now, wherever he parks, a QR code on the car allows people to instantly donate to his fundraising campaign for The Victory Center.

Sheridan’s mission is deeply personal.

After undergoing life-saving cancer surgery in late 2024 and facing months of complications, he found support through The Victory Center — a Toledo-based organization that provides free services to cancer patients and survivors.

He credits the center with helping him recover not just physically, but emotionally.

“Well, it saved my life, changed my life,” Sheridan said. “Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I found a community to get involved with. It's just it's the support is wonderful”

Now, he’s giving back in a bold way.

Sheridan’s goal is to raise at least $1,000 — enough to earn a spot in the Victory Center’s “Over the Edge” fundraiser, where participants rappel down a downtown building.

If he raises $1,500, he’ll even wear a helmet camera to capture the experience.

“I'm excited,” Sheridan said. “I still want to get approval from all my doctors, but I'm looking forward to it. I enjoy heights.”

If you spot “Toledo’s Lightning McQueen” around town, you can scan the QR code on the car — or visit his page online — to contribute.