Fillmore County Journal - Spring Car Care Section - 4.24.17

Spring Car Care A special section focusing on automobiles • Monday, April 24, 2017

Articles in THis

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Local racer moves up racing ranks Ask a Trooper The best time to buy a new car and other cost-saving tips How to handle car trouble while driving A man’s cave How to protect your car’s resale value

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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL

Monday, April 24, 2017

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Spring Car Care A special section of the Fillmore County Journal • Monday, April 24, 2017

Local racer moves up racing ranks

Lucas Schott, center, after his impressive win in 2016 at the Junghens Memorial race.

Photo submitted

By Kirsten Zoellner Twenty-year-old Chatfield native Lucas Schott has humble beginnings in the world of racing. Showing early talent in the cockpit, Schott first started racing at just seven years old. “My dad put me in a go cart on my seventh birthday,” he recalls.

“He used to race, but didn’t have the funds to do it on his own.

He had a plan in mind to get me in a race car someday.”

Instantly hooked, Schott quickly paced through Sportsman and Junior 1 go cart divisions and into Slingshot Division by age 10. Earning several track junior and senior championships, young Schott was awarded Junior Rookie of the Year and back to back nominations for Driver of the Year in just three years in the division.

In 2010, as a fresh-faced 13 year old, Schott changed gears again, racing modified stock car on tracks around the area under the United States Racing Association. Now, in his seventh year racing in the circuit, Schott continues to add to his stellar record

and is thoroughly enjoying the ride. “I enjoy the little things about it. Cars have always interested me; since I was young.”

Stemming from modifications done on 1940s vehicles and drivers seeking faster speeds and competitive edge, today’s modifieds have come a long way from those early days. Dirt track modifieds, in particular, have become the country’s most popular racing style and drivers are categorized by many factors and sanctioning bodies. Schott was drawn to it and excelled.

“The feeling when you cross the checkered flag first never gets old, no matter what kind of race it is.”

Successes haven’t come without struggles, but Schott has taken them to task. “When I first started racing modified, the biggest hurdle was learning everything about the cars,” says Schott. “There are so many adjustments you can make, but you have to know what to change.” Another challenge Schott faced was earning respect from many of the driv-

ers. “I started racing modifieds when I was 13, racing against people that have been doing it for 10, 20, or 30 years or more.

They aren’t used to young kids coming up the ranks and racing with them,” he adds.

This race community is part of the lure for Schott. “The people you meet at the track almost become family to you; something you look forward to every weekend.”

While there may be less training for Schott physically than in some other competitive arenas, there’s a substantial amount of behind the scenes preparations.

“The saying is, ‘Races are won in the shop,’” says Schott. “To be competitive, you have to work and make sure everything is in good condition. Most of my weeknights are spent in the shop getting ready for the next weekend of racing. It’s almost another job,” he jokes.

The home track for Schott’s #69, red, black, and white car is Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley under Saturday night lights. Additionally, you can find the team on Friday nights at either Mississippi Thunder Speedway in Fountain City, Wis., or Chateau Raceway in Lansing, Minn. Rather than race these regional tracks every weekend, Schott nabs the opportunity to travel and run bigger paying shows when possible.

“There are local tracks around the area we can race at or there are tracks anywhere from here to Texas we could race at every weekend,” says Schott. “There is a traveling series, the United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS), that hosts bigger paying races and the best modified racers in the country. When they come through our area we will race with them as much as possible.”

Schott’s most notable win came in September of last year at the Grant Junghans Memorial at the Lakeside Speedway in Kansas City, Kans. Honoring a fellow racer, who passed away in early 2016, the 42-lap, USMTS feature race showcased the 30 best drivers in the country. On the 4/10-mile dirt oval, Schott took the lead 24 laps into the race, holding on and eventually winning by an impressive six lengths. The $10,002 in earnings was the biggest payday of his racing career and his fourth USMTS win.

His second biggest win was in November 2015 at Duel in the Desert at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It was Schott’s first time participating in the 40-lap International Motor Contest Association modifieds event and netted $7,777.77. Seven recent races in New Mexico, Kansas, and Wisconsin all saw him finish in the top ten. Currently, 2017 statistics have him at 13 starts, 1 win, seven top five finishes, and 11 top ten finishes.

Schott’s successes have been the highlight of the process.

“We never would have guessed when we started that we could run up front and win as many races as we have at the caliber of competition we are at,” he says.

While the payouts might seem substantial, the costs involved

in a racing team are equally so.

Schott has an array of sponsors backing him up. They include Schott’s Hardwood Floors, Big Cat Transportation, MB Customs, Sputs Racing Engines, CMD Shockz, Jerovitz Motorsports, Ron’s Auto Repair, Culligan water, Swee’s Automotive, Latila Tile, Mill Creek Carpet, Cpd Shocks, Buck Monson Photo, and Budweiser. His most enthusiastic sponsors, though, are easily the closest; his father, mother Kara, and siblings, Lexi and Levi. “They make it to a lot of races and help out a lot, too.

All of my sponsors help out and we can’t thank them enough for helping us do what we do,” he enthuses.

Schott credits his father as the greatest motivator in his racing journey. “We take racing very seriously and we do our best to be the best. He’s always pushing to be better,” says Schott. “He works hard to be able to do what we do.

There’s no way I’d be where I am today without him.”

Long-term, Schott hopes he can take his racing successes and turn them into a full-time racing career, but he’s grounded by what it will take to get there. “Not a lot of people get the opportunity to do it. The goal every year or every night we go to the track is to have fun and do the best we can do.

You can’t win them all,” he says, but Schott will surely keep on trying to.

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Photo submitted

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Spring Car Care A special section of the Fillmore County Journal • Monday, April 24, 2017

Ask a Trooper

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: Can you talk about motorcycle safety and provide tips that can help keep everyone safe on our roadways?

Answer: Troy H. One main Christianson reason why motorcyclists are killed and injured in crashes are due to the fact that a motorcycle itself provides virtually no protection. The occupant protection that is built in to our passenger cars protects us greatly, but

cannot be incorporated on a motorcycle. Nationwide, 80% of reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death; a comparable figure for automobiles is only 20%.

In 2015, 39% of the motorcycle crashes in Minnesota were single-vehicle crashes. Motorcycle use is at an all-time high and the primary factors involved when they crashed were speeding, inexperience and chemical impairment.

Approximately half of all fatal single-vehicle motorcycle crashes involved alcohol. Driving a motorcycle requires more skill and coordination than driving most other vehicles, and impairment, even at lower lev-

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els, diminishes judgment and motor skills greatly.

It is important that a rider choose a motorcycle that they are able to physically handle.

Do not buy a motorcycle you cannot push or pull upright by yourself. A motorcycle must be the right fit for the person, and the style of the motorcycle should fit the use.

Almost half of all motorcycle crashes involve a collision with another vehicle. In many crashes, the driver never saw the motorcyclist or did not see the rider until it was too late. There are many reasons why other drivers do not see motorcyclists.

It is important for everyone to pay attention and avoid all distractions while driving. We need to be 100% attentive when driving any type of motor vehicle.

Riders should also wear highvisible protective gear to make sure they are visible out on the roads.

In 2015, one out of seven motorcycle operators involved in a fatal crash did not have a valid endorsement to drive a motorcycle in Minnesota. It is very important for motorcyclists to get proper training by enrolling in a motorcycle-training course. Training is available for beginning to expert riders.

Motorcycle operator tips • Make eye contact with other drivers. Never assume others see you. Always try to make eye contact with drivers who may be about to pull into your path, as they often misjudge your distance and speed. Do not rely on them to make the correct decision.

• Look out for hazardous road conditions. Wet roads, fluid spills, sand, gravel, highway sealant, railroad tracks, potholes and other road-surface hazards reduce your traction.

• Be cautious when entering a curve. Traveling too fast and inexperience are contributing factors in failing to negotiate a curve can lead to a loss of control in a curve. Watch the road ahead, slow down and choose the correct lane position before entering a curve.

• Wear a helmet. Helmets prevent head injuries. In 2015, in Minnesota 17 (28%) of the 61 motorcyclists killed were wearing helmets. There were 1232 injuries with only 480 (39%) of them were wearing helmets. There is no helmet law in Minnesota, unless the operator in under 18 years of age or is operating with a permit. I recommend motorcyclists wear a helmet all the time. Wearing a helmet will help increase your chances of surviving or being seriously injured in a crash.

• Wear protective/visible clothing. It can provide some protection during a crash, as well as shield you from the weather and flying debris. Jeans

give little protection. Never ride in lightweight pants or shorts.

Wear bright, reflective clothing.

• Protect your eyes and face.

Constant wind can make your eyes water, preventing you from spotting hazards. Flying insects, dust and debris can hurt your eyes and face. The best protection is a full-face helmet with a built-in face shield. Eye protection is required in Minnesota.

Never operate a motorcycle while impaired. Do not speed and watch out for all road hazards, other vehicles and animals. Stay out of other vehicles’ blind spots and always have your headlight on.

For information on motorcycle safety, laws, license, training courses and other general topics go to www.motorcyclesafety.org.

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and of course, drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester, Minn. 55901-5848. Or reach him at Troy.Christianson@ state.mn.us.

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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL

Monday, April 24, 2017

The FCJ reaches over 13,000 households each week.

Spring Car Care A special section of the Fillmore County Journal • Monday, April 24, 2017

The best time to buy a new car and other cost-saving tips Shopping for a new car can be an exciting and sometimes stressful process. A vehicle is one of the largest purchases a person will make in his or her life-

time, so choosing an automobile requires careful research and some comparison shopping.

According to IHS Automotive, there are more than 250

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million registered passenger vehicles in the United States.

In Canada, 33,168,805 vehicle registrations were reported by Statistics Canada in 2015. With so many cars and trucks on the road, it's important for drivers to get a vehicle that meets their needs and fits their budgets. The following are some pointers for prospective buyers looking to save some money on their next vehicles.

Wait for model changeover Pay attention to news regarding which vehicle models will be retired or redesigned, as this may indicate which vehicles might be offered at the best deals. The model year should also be considered when looking for a new car. Many buyers are naturally attracted to the newest model year, feeling that if they're going to pay a lot for a car or truck, they want to do so for the newest available model. Buyers who don't need the newest model available may find a better deal than those who do.

Choose a different body type The National Automobile Dealers Association advises that pickup trucks and SUVs continue to command high prices.

Shoppers who look at sedans, compact cars and even luxury vehicles may be able to get a better price than those looking for trucks or SUVs. Buyers should assess their needs and see if a different body style or category of car fits their needs and their budgets.

Shop the end of the month No matter the month, waiting until the last week of the month may be a good time to buy.

Sales managers and dealerships in general have a monthly quota to meet and are compensated accordingly. Negotiating at this time means shoppers can get a good deal, while salespeople can move vehicles.

Choose the right day of the week According to a study by TrueCar.com, an automotive pricing and information website, Sun-

time.

Get financing ahead of time Knowing your budget ahead of time and prearranging financing can put shoppers in a better position when it comes time to negotiate. Strong credit scores and decent down payments make certain buyers better prospects for dealerships. It also may mean their purchasing power can translate into better deals.

Shopping for a new car can be challenging and exciting all at once. Purchasing at the right time can save drivers money and get them in the car of their dreams.

day is the best day of the week to purchase a vehicle. Buyers can expect to pay as much as $2,000 more for the same vehicle on Friday than those who shop on a Sunday. Monday is also a good day, as there is less foot traffic and it may be possible to wrangle a better deal. Waiting until the end of the day can be advantageous, too. Salespeople may be anxious to close out sales so they can get home at quitting Service

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Spring Car Care A special section of the Fillmore County Journal • Monday, April 24, 2017

How to handle car trouble while driving

Sudden car trouble is something no driver wants to experience, but many a driver has been driving down the highway only to feel his or her vehicle start to sputter. Such sputtering might indicate a car is running low on fuel, or it could be a sign of something more serious that requires motorists to think as quickly and safely as possible.

When car trouble strikes while a vehicle is on the road, the first thing many drivers do is check their fuel gauges. A car that runs

out of gas is certainly inconvenient, but if you can pull over to the shoulder or make it to the nearest filling station, then this unfortunate situation can be remedied rather easily. But when a car's tank is full and it is still showing signs of trouble, drivers must take steps to protect themselves, their passengers and their vehicles. The following are a few simple tips motorists should keep in mind so they can safely handle any car trouble that may arise while they are out on the

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• Keep a first-aid kit, spare tire and tire jack in the car at all times. Flat tires are no fun, but they are even more of a nuisance when drivers are not prepared to address them.

Always keep a jack and spare tire in your car, even if the spare is a donut you can temporarily use to replace a flat tire until you make it to a filling station or automotive supply store. As an added safety measure, keep a fully stocked first aid kit in your vehicle in case you cut yourself while changing the tire or need to address another medical situation. Visit www.redcross.org for a list of items to include in your automotive emergency kit.

Keep a blanket in the trunk as well, so your passengers can stay warm should you experience car trouble on a cold day or night.

• Make note of your surroundings. Some car troubles can only be fixed by the professionals, so pay careful attention to your surroundings in case an issue arises and forces you to pull over and call for help.

Always pay attention to mile markers and any landmarks that might help you describe where you are. Car troubles can strike at any time and anywhere, so be sure to pay special attention to your surroundings when driving in unfamiliar areas.

• Pull over. Don't panic if an issue arises suddenly. Remain calm and pull over onto the shoulder. The right shoulder is the area for pulling over on most roads, but you may also use the left shoulder on multilane highways with medians.

Try to get as far away from traffic as possible without driving off of level ground, and always use your signals when pulling onto the shoulder. If the vehicle can't make it to the median, put your emergency flashers on and get out of the car, moving away from both the vehicle and traffic. Immediately call for emergency roadside assistance, alerting the authorities if need be.

• Use flares or triangles to alert other drivers. So long as you are not risking your well-being, you can place flares and/or warning triangles behind your vehicle so oncoming traffic knows to drive around it. The popular not-forprofit motor club AAA recommends placing the first flare or triangle 10 feet directly behind the side of the vehicle that is closest to the road. The second should be placed between 30 and 60 feet (increase the distances as the posted speed limit increases) behind the middle of the bumper, while the third flare or triangle should be placed between 120 and 360 feet behind the vehicle's right side.

• Stay with the vehicle. Once

you have called for help and set up flares or triangles, stay with the vehicle, though do so at a safe enough distance so you are not in harm's way.

Sudden car troubles can be scary, but drivers who approach such issues calmly and quickly can reduce their risk for accident or injury.

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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL

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Spring Car Care A special section of the Fillmore County Journal • Monday, April 24, 2017

A man’s cave

By Jason Sethre This is special message for husbands, so all wives should stop reading at the end of this sentence.

With the evolution of mankind, we have moved from caves to structured quarters known as houses. And, yet, there’s still a desire to lounge in a cave. And, not just any cave -- a man cave.

After bachelors have become domesticated and married the woman of their dreams, they have quickly learned that all of their cherished decor was never really up to par with HGTV and their wife; not necessarily in that order.

Suddenly, beer signs are no longer allowed in the living room. And, all sports fan memorabilia either goes in the garage or the garbage (which happens to be located in the garage). To some wives, garage

is just one “b” away from garbage. And, this is why she leaves that space in the man’s hands.

So, the garage becomes a sanctuary. It’s like a museum of everything wives allow their husband to keep without having to purchase a storage unit. In some cases, a two car garage can’t even shelter two cars because the content of his museum is so abundant it takes up every inch of the garage. This is called “winning” for some guys.

And, the features of these garage man caves have evolved in a way that most men could actually live in their garage. Here are some enhancements I’ve seen in a variety of garages over the years.

• In-floor or forced air heat • Multiple TVs with a different sports channel playing on every one to the extent you feel like you are in a sports bar

• Surround sound systems • Bathroom facilities • Kitchen area • Computer systems • Full-sized arcade games such as Golden Tee and Pac Man • Projectors and movie screens • Ping pong table • Pool table • Dart boards • Showroom finished floors • Carpet • Bar • Recliners and leather couches • Patio doors • Full garage door-sized screens to keep the bugs out while letting the fresh air inside the man cave • All sizes of refrigerators I’ve seen garages with some pretty amazing features, and the aforementioned list is just the tip of the iceberg.

Garages have become a gathering place when men are working on a project. The sound of table saws, hammers, and drills always seems to draw a crowd. “Whatcha building?” they’ll say.

And, while these gatherings slow the progress of any project, there’s always good conversation to be had. Most man

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cave guests know there’s always a well-stocked refrigerator full of beef sticks and beverages.

Just like man, the garage has evolved into a multi-functional space. There’s a combination of utility and entertainment. It’s a space where men can tinker with tools and kick up as much sawdust as they care to clean

up. And, then he can watch some football while enjoying a cold one with neighborhood man cave dwellers.

For the wives who kept reading beyond that first sentence, thank you for letting your husband have a space of his own where he can hang his beer signs with pride.

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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL

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Spring Car Care A special section of the Fillmore County Journal • Monday, April 24, 2017

How to protect your car’s resale value Few drivers start thinking about resale value when driving a new car off of the dealership lot for the first time. Still enamored with that new car smell, drivers can be excused for not thinking of resale value as they put the pedal to the metal and speed off in their brand new ride.

But it's never too early to start protecting a vehicle's resale value, especially if you hope to recoup as much of your vehicle investment as possible when the time comes to sell your car or trade it in for a newer model. The following are some ways motorists can protect the resale value of their vehicles

from the moment the dealer tosses them the keys.

•Keep all maintenance records.

New cars typically do not require much maintenance. But drivers should keep records of all work and maintenance done on their vehicles, even if that work does not extend beyond routine tuneups or oil changes. Keeping maintenance records shows prospective buyers you prioritized taking care of the vehicle over the years, and that makes the car or truck more attractive to preowned vehicle buyers who want to avoid buying a lemon or a car that has not been taken care of.

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•Don't overlook looks. Looks can be deceiving, but new car buyers who eventually plan to sell their vehicles should do all they can to keep the car looking as new as it did the day it was first driven off the dealership lot.

Much like homeowners benefit when selling a home with curb appeal, a car that looks good gives buyers the impression that it was well taken care of. But a dirty car or one with lots of dings and dents is a red flag to preowned car buyers.

•Keep a clean interior. New car owners typically maintain some strict rules with regard to food and beverages in their vehicles.

After all, no one wants their brand new car to succumb to stains or spills. But the longer drivers have a car the more lax they tend to become with regard to allowing food and drinks into their cars, and that can ultimately hurt the resale value of the vehicle. Maintain a clean interior whether you just bought the car or have driven it for a few years. Much like an impressive exterior leaves a lasting impression, a clean interior that has not succumb to coffee stains or muddy boots is more likely to impress buyers than a car with

an interior that has seen better, cleaner days.

•Drive defensively. It's not just what you do to a car but how you drive the car that can affect its resale value. Driving defensively reduces your risk of accident, and an accident-free preowned vehicle is a top priority for potential buyers. But driving defensively also reduces wear and tear on your vehicle, as over time constant stop-and-go, aggressive driving takes its toll on vehicle engines and other components.

•Periodically examine the vehicle history report. Today's preowned car buyers know to ask for a vehicle history report before buying a car. If your vehicle history report contains any suspicious

or inaccurate information, you may be forced to sell the car for less than it's worth or delay selling until you can have any issues corrected. That won't necessarily happen overnight, but you can avoid dealing with a host of issues all at once by periodically examining the vehicle history report.

Any discrepancies on the report can be brought to the attention of your insurance company, who can then work with you to correct the issues and restore your vehicle's reputation.

Resale value may not be foremost on the minds of new car owners, but the earlier buyers begin to factor resale value into their car-care routines, the more they will benefit down the road.

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