Monster mudders.(WHAT'S UP)

The 2006 High Lifter Mud Nationals is truly a one-of-a-kind ATV event. Literally, thousands of ATV owners flock to Texas and the Mud Creek Off-road Park for this unique experience. When Team High Lifter says the Mud Nationals bring in the "most utility ATVs ever in one park in one week," they aren't lying. Sure, mud riding may not be racing, but it's a sport and many of its participants are into high-performance mods. These mods may not help them pull a wheelie down a straightaway or effortlessly bound through a whoops section, but they help them conquer the mud. From snorkels, to clutch kits to aftermarket exhaust kits, these utility ATVs have all sorts of products to make them go faster, churn harder and ride taller.

In between the SuperTrapp Mud Bog, Maxxis Mud-A-Cross and EPI ATV Sled Pull, we had time to track down a few of the wildest ATVs we've ever laid eyes on. One has more than 40 inches ground clearance. Another looks like it belongs in a monster truck rally. Get a load of these bad boys!

The Green Giant

Even though this big Arctic Cat didn't play in the mud at the Mud Nationals, it did attract a lot of attention and was probably one of the most photographed machines in the history of the event. Steel Horses owner John Williams and fabricator Daryl Dunn mixed an Arctic Cat 500 4x4 with the transfer cases and drivetrain from a Suzuki Samurai to create this jolly green giant four-wheeler. With more than double the normal ground clearance, the AC rides on 44-inch Interco Super Swamper meats. Yes, this big beast had more than enough power to spin the tires. Dunn and Williams plan to add much more to this Arctic Cat, which was only in its initial modification stage.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Boggin' Brute

Minnesotan Mike Walker dominated the Mud Nationals in more than one competition, winning three classes in the EPI ATV Sled Pull competition and taking a second in another one. He also notched a third-place finish in the Open Class of the Maxxis Mud-A-Cross competition. His wildest machine, a Kawasaki Brute Force 650 nicknamed "T-Rex" was his most creative and attractive machine. The 4x4 finished third in ...