A Sampling of Satisfied AMSOIL Customers:

A Major Michigan Municipality Fleet: This letter is a summary of a letter written by the Superintendent of Motor Pool. Please contact us if you would like the full letter mailed or faxed to you.

This Municipality has switched its entire Police and City Hall Fleet (approximately 350 vehicles) to AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants.

History: In the past, all marked and unmarked police vehicles would come in monthly for an oil change, lube and safety check. As a test, we switched two marked Chevrolet Caprice vehicles over to 100% synthetic AMSOIL engine oil and extended the drain intervals to 20,000 miles, with a new oil filter installed at 10,000 miles. The vehicles were still scheduled to come in monthly for a safety inspection (tires, brakes, suspension, lights, etc...), but the oil is not drained, only a sample is taken. When the two test vehicles reached 70,000 miles, the municipality service technicians removed the oil pans and also removed the main and rod bearings to check for wear using the plastic gauge test. The bearings showed very little wear. the same procedure was performed on two marked cars, same year, make and model, using petroleum oil. The wear on the two vehicles with petroleum oil, changed monthly at about 2,500-3,000 miles, showed slightly more wear in the plastic gauge test. The results were well within specifications in both cases.

Currently the city is using all Ford Crown Victorias in its police fleet. With the help of oil analysis, we were able to extend our oil changes to 18,000-20,000 miles with a new filter installed at 9,000-10,000 miles. We are currently using AMSOIL synthetic engine, transmission, and rear differential oil in all vehicles serviced out of the city hall facility.

SAVINGS: Savings have been noticed due to the decrease in number of oil filters and quarts of oil purchased and disposed of. Labor time to complete a preventative maintenance (A or B) on a vehicle has been reduced, allowing up to 50% more vehicles to be serviced each day. To date, we have not had to re-build an engine or transmission with the new extended oil change intervals.

Why Tornado Chasers Choose AMSOIL

*The National Geographic series "Explorer" on the National Geographic Channel aired the new show called "Secrets of the Tornado" on Sunday evening, September 18th. The show featured the research/probe deployment work of AMSOIL sponsored storm chaser Tim Samaras and his colleagues over the past couple of years.

My name is Tim Samaras, and I chase the most powerful storms on the planet. My passion and research is to intercept tornadoes in progress and deploy small probes directly in their path to record the extreme weather conditions inside the tornado core. Last year our team measured the largest barometric pressure drop ever recorded on June 24, 2003 of over 100 millibars as it destroyed the small hamlet of Manchester, South Dakota. The data has revealed several “secrets” of the inside of a violent tornado. I’m also featured in the April 2004 issue of National Geographic magazine, where a photographer was with me during the deployments and has captured some of the most astounding tornado images ever on film.

Every year my pursuit takes me to the great plains where I journey over 35,000 miles over 12 states within a period of two months. Using a petroleum-based motor oil, I used to change my motor oil every couple of days! Based upon these frequent changes, I decided to switch to AMSOIL synthetic motor oil, where I have extended my oil changes to over 7,500 miles! My vehicle has already seen some incredible abuse so far this year with over 15 tornadoes intercepted, where I’ve only had to change the oil three times, as my vehicle has already accumulated over 24,000 miles in May alone!

Tim Samaras
June 2004

'Roadkill,' 'Traveler' Claim Mileage First

AMSOIL Dealer Tim Werder, "Roadkill" to his friends, has racked up a first on the first new U.S. manufactured full-size motorcycle in 60 years.

Werder, 42, Shawangunk, N.Y., has more than 100,000 "butt" miles on his Polaris-made 1999 Victory V92C motorcycle.

While it's the world's highest mileage for the cruisers since the first Victory V92C production model rolled off the assembly line on July 4, 1998, Werder is an old hand on a bike. He's been riding since he was 16, even traveling more than 10,000 miles by motorcycle on his honeymoon with his wife Christine.

The love of motorcycles has always been a theme in Werder's life. He's put more than 100,000 miles on other bikes through the years and faced more than his share of dangers along the way. Five accidents, one that caused him life-threatening injuries, have not deterred him, nor has a 190-mile-a-day round trip commute to his state government job in New York City.

His bike, known as "Traveler," is powered by a 1507 cc air/oil cooled V-twin engine and has a five-speed transmission. The Victory bikes are manufactured in Osceola, Wis., with final assembly in Spirit Lake, Iowa.

Werder rides "Traveler" year round, even in the cold of the Northeast winter.

He owns another Victory, number 219 from the first year of production, and has on order a 2003 Victory Vegas with a new 1507 cc Freedom engine. He expects an early spring delivery date.

He uses AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (AMV) in the summertime and in the winter switches to AMSOIL SAE 10W-40 Motorcycle Oil (AMF). He also has installed an AMSOIL SMF-103 Oil Filter.

"I recommend this combination to my Victory customers as well," Werder said. "I'm extremely pleased with the results I achieve from the AMSOIL products, and I've specifically had oil analyses performed to maintain awareness of fluid performance."

His earned the nickname "Roadkill" because "I've hit five deer, all while motorcycling, never in a car," Werder said. In one of those acddents, Werder nearly lost his leg. His wife and two sons share his love of motorcycles and work with him in his AMSOIL business.

He is former national vice president for the Victory Motorcycle Club and former corporate ride coordinator for the Victory Riders Association. He organized group rides for association members during the group's first year. Werder joined the Marine Corps in 1986 and went to basic training on Parris Island. There he may have logged another first — as oldest recruit.

Drill instructors repeatedly made him yell out his age. "Sir, I'm 26, Sir!" Werder recalled of his time there. He became a logistics/embarkation specialist staff sergeant with Aerial Refueling Squadron VMGR- 452, Newburgh, NY. That unit was reactivated on Feb. 8, 2003 and sent to the Middle East. They haven't seen active duty since the Persian Gulf War.

The veteran rider has logged nearly 500,000 miles on motorcycles. "My 26 years of riding has brought me to a butt-total of over 479,000 miles, including three 100,000 plus-mile motorcycles with a variety of trailer and sidecar-towing duties, and even though I live in the Northeast, I normally ride through the seasons, expecting my bikes to accept what I dish out. AMSOIL gives me the confidence to do so," Werder said. "I anticipate the 500,000-mile mark this summer, and always recommend AMSOIL to fellow riders, regardless of the make of bike they ride."

He caters to motorcycle riders in his AMSOIL business, especially Victory riders, he said, but he may expand that business when he retires from his full-time job. "I consider myself a voice for many motorcyclists, and am a long-time member of the American Motorcyclist Association, Motorcycle Rider's Foundation and ABATE," he said. He also maintains an online publication "The Victory Digest."

As Roadkill says, "Ride on."

This article appeared in the AMSOIL Action News, April 2003

MEGDY Racing - SuperBike Racing

The Team

The race team MEGDY Racing officially started in the fall of 1999 after experiencing a very promising first season among the amateurs. At the time, the whole purpose of the team was based on friendly relation but, of course, the main goal remained to be the best among the best amateur pilots of the province. This is how his passion for racing and motorcycles made Eric Fortin the first member of the team to join MEGDY Racing.

Year 2000, the first official season for MEGDY Racing, has been very determining. After dominating the whole season in the " Open 600cc " category, he finished 5th overall. The die was cast. After proving that they were among the best motorcycle pilots, MEGDY Racing decided to join the professionals.

It is then, in the fall of 2000, that Martin Poulin joined the MEGDY Racing ranks. His arrival in the team meant a new depth and experience at the mechanical standpoint.

Furthermore, a few more sponsors have joined us to support the team in 2002. This is the case for Stadium Suspension which, on top of giving us mechanical support, will handle technical support. Parts Canada also joined us as major sponsor. They will ensure the MEGDY Racing support for parts and supplies.

MEGDY Racing is counting on his solid reputation and the support of his sponsors to become one of the best privately organized racing motorcycle teams in the Canadian Championship. For that reason, companies such as Claude Ste-Marie Sport, Parts Canada, Permatex, Amsoil, Hindle, Amaro have joined the team since a few years and are proud to be our partners.

Season Highlights

2002 SEASON

5TH RANK AS ROOKIE OF YEAR 2002 ON THE CANADIAN PARTS CANADA CHAMPIONSHIP
(2nd rank as private motorcycle racer)
General Ranking
• Open Super Sport 9th
• Superbike 12th

2002 Season performances

* 9th Open Super Sport Round 4 St-Eustache, Qc
* 11 th Superbike Round 4 St-Eustache, Qc
* 11 th Open Super Sport Round 5 Mosport, Ontario
* 13 th Superbike Round 5 Mosport, Ontario
* 7 th Open Super Sport Round 6 Shubenacadie, N-E
* 9 th Superbike Round 6 Shubenacadie, N-E
* 10 th Open Super Sport Round 7 Shannonville, On
* 11th Superbike Round 7 Shannonville, On

2001 SEASON (First year as a professional)

General Ranking
• Open Super Sport 12th
• Superbike 14th

2001 Season performances

* 12th Open Super Sport Round 4 St-Eustache, Qc
* 14th Superbike Round 4 St-Eustache, Qc
* 9th Open Super Sport Round 5 Mosport, Ontario
* 13th Superbike Round 5 Mosport, Ontario
* 13th Open Super Sport Round 6 Shubenacadie, N-E
* 16th Superbike Round 6 Shubenacadie, N-E
* 11 th Open Super Sport Round 7 Shannonville, On
* 15th Superbike Round 7 Shannonville, On

October 20th, 2002

Mr. John Schuldt
Amsoil Racing Coordinator
Amsoil Inc
Superior WI
54880

Subject : Special thanks to AMSOIL for the support provided in Season 2002

Mr. Schuldt,

As the pilot of MEGDY Racing, I wish to offer my sincere thanks to Amsoil and especially Mr. Michel Beaupré for your sponsorship in Season 2002 on the Parts Canada Superbike Championship, the most prestigious motorcycle championship in the country.

MEGDY Racing has been one of the most important private motorcycle racing team across the country on the Parts Canada Superbike Championship for the last two seasons.

MEGDY Racing was proud to develop a COMPLETE NEW MARKET in motorcycle racing in CANADA for AMSOIL. By using AMSOIL products, MEGDY Racing knew that it could count on the best products available in the market.

On the top of that, MEGDY Racing had a specific goal to achieve during Season 2002. Our goal was to increase the popularity of AMSOIL products in Canada and to put the name of AMSOIL on the track by developing a new market in Road Racing for AMSOIL in Canada.

MEGDY Racing had a resounding success. From the Westcoast to the East, for the first time, people saw AMSOIL involved in Raod Racing. During the whole season, MEGDY Racing was asked many questions and met people from everywhere that were surprised and happy to see AMSOIL involved in Road Racing in CANADA.

AMSOIL contributed to the success of MEGDY Racing in 2002 and this is why MEGDY Racing is sending this special thanks to you.

As well, MEGDY Racing has included in this letter, a copy of the poster given at some shows and to all the sponsors.

Yours truly,

Gaston Labrie
Pilot of MEGDY Racing

Interstate Battery System of Detroit, Inc.

This letter is a summary of a letter received from the President of Interstate Battery of Detroit. Please contact us if you would like the full letter mailed, faxed or e-mailed to you.

I am writing to let you know how pleased I am with the AMSOIL program that you helped set us up with. For the past 25 years our fleet of trucks, mostly Navistar/International 4600 Series trucks, have been using regular petroleum-base lubrication products. We thought that we were happy with our lubrication program until we were introduced to AMSOIL.

I was very reluctant to switch from regular lubricants to fully synthetic lubricants because the benefits of AMSOIL seemed too good to be true. To be honest, when I was told that the motor oil could go as long as 100,000+ miles without changing, I didn't believe it. I can tell you now I am a true believer.

We have been using AMSOIL now for about 4 years and have changed the entire fleet to AMSOIL synthetic lubricants. We use the By-Pass oil filtration system on all of our trucks with the Synthetic Heavy Duty Diesel and Marine 15W-40 oil. We use AMSOIL grease and use the 75W-90 gear lube for the manual transmissions and differentials and the synthetic ATF transmission fluid for the automatics.

What do I get out of using AMSOIL? A lot!! After becoming fully synthetic on all of my trucks, I picked up an average of 5% in fuel savings. I haven't had to change my oil since I switched...4 years ago! I can't tell you how much money that has saved me in time alone. I have several trucks with over 100,000 miles on the oil and I am still getting high marks when I send the oil in for analysis But the best benefit is the decreased wear and tear on my equipment such as the pistons, cylinder heads and walls, transmission gears and differential gears. That is the most important to me because it means I can leverage my fleet longer, which translates into saved dollars. It means I can put those extra dollars to work in another area of my business. My average truck life has gone from 7 years to more than 15 years! UNBELIEVABLE! I have estimated the savings from better leverage alone will save me over $20,000 per year.

Thanks for all the help as I've implemented this new program. I am absolutely ecstatic about the results so far and I look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with you and AMSOIL.

Action Tree Service Inc. of Oakland County:

Action Tree Service Inc, is one of the premier tree service companies in the state of Michigan and is often called upon to handle some very tough jobs. Action Tree is well equipped for routine tree care, logging, climbing, large lot clearing and emergency storm response.

All light, medium and heavy duty trucks, chippers, loaders and other equipment has been converted to AMSOIL lubricants and filtration systems. Action Tree has some of the most specialized equipment in the business, including a custom designed 80 foot in reach aerial lift bucket truck which is a 2000 model year, 4900 Series International DT466 275 H.P. diesel with an Allison New World transmission. The company also has several large swaploader diesel trucks and Ford Powerstroke Diesel trucks.

All of Action Tree's vehicles and equipment use only AMSOIL synthetic lubricants and filtration systems. Every truck is equipped with AMSOIL 15W-40 Synthetic Heavy Duty Diesel Oil, Dual-Gard (for large diesels) or Dual-Remote (for Ford Powerstrokes) filtration system, AMSOIL gear lube and AMSOIL synthetic automatic transmission fluid. Each of the large diesel trucks has 77 grease fittings and lubrication points which are all lubricated with AMSOIL GHD Heavy Duty Moly Fortified Synthetic Grease. Since switching to GHD, Action tree has drastically reduced the frequency of required greasing due to the greases superior performance, while providing much improved lubrication and protection to critical components. All chippers and stump grinders use an autolube system with AMSOIL GLA and 00 Grade synthetic multi-purpose grease.

Owner Adam Camden states that one of the biggest improvements that they have noticed has been drastically improved cold weather starting and significantly reduced maintenance and downtime along with the security of knowing his equipment is protected with the best lubricants available anywhere.

An interesting side note is that owner Adam Camden spends a great deal of time researching, testing and going to industry trade shows seeking out the very best products and equipment. Adam states that AMSOIL is the very best there is and continuously promotes AMSOIL products to his friends and other commercial businesses he works with and proudly displays AMSOIL decals on his equipment, shop facility doors and hangs the large AMSOIL banner at the company facility. Adam is extremely pleased with the personalized service and technical support he receives with AMSOIL.

Eastwood Excavating of Traverse City, MI

Thank you for introducing us to the AMSOIL product line. Although this is our first construction season using AMSOIL products, we are experiencing a lot of good things. I will try to highlight some of the things that we've experienced to date. First of all, we had changed all of our fluids to AMSOIL in February 2000. We have yet to experience an oil change. To date all we've had to do is change the filters and draw a sample, send it in, get the results and experience more extended oil service life. Consequently, we've not had to dispose of any oil. Our services are so simple. We now perform them in the field instead of in the shop as we used to because all we need to do again is draw a sample, change the filter and top the fluid off. While the initial cost of the change over from our past oils to the AMSOIL system was expensive, it was certainly worth it because of the change over, we have a much better filter system providing us with much less equipment wear which provides longer equipment life with less overhauls and rebuilds.

Dave, you really made it easy for us starting with the first introduction to the AMSOIL product working with us, guiding us and actually working hands on with our mechanic to help us through some of the change-overs was a fabulous experience. The technical support that you provide us with helps us a lot and we really appreciate it when you just stop in to see how things are going making sure everything's okay and it's nice to know that your support is just a phone call away. This has been a very good experience. Thank you for your help.

Cinjo Racing

The Performance Oil Technology AMSOIL sponsored Michigan-based Cinjo Racing Team competes in the American Race Truck Series (ARTS). ARTS is based out of Phoenix, AZ but sanctions racing across the country. The trucks are very similar to those in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Cinjo is also connected to the prestigious Roush Industries of NASCAR fame. John Neece from Cinjo calls AMSOIL, "The recognized leader in synthetic engine oils, automatic transmission fluids, and rear axle lubricants for high performance applications"

Harley Davidson Owners Testimonials:

Dear Dave.....How's it going? Fine I hope. I just wanted to bring you up to date. I received my AMSOIL 20W-50 Motorcycle oil today via UPS. I wasted no time, and changed my H-D 20W-50 oil to your 100% synthetic. I can already tell a definite change in how my transmission shift's smoother! My engine sound's quieter, and I notice the throttle response is better, and more responsive. Although my H-D 2002 V-Rod only has 1976 mile's, and is still very new, I feel more confident for the future life of my fine machine knowing it now has adequate protection in the engine, transmission, and final drive. The wet clutch seems to be easier to operate as well. I showed my Harley pal's your wear test's specification's, and how poor a quality H-D 20W-50 really is, and some of them are now interested in switching their motorcycles to AMSOIL as well! One of my Harley pal's is a Master Diesel Mechanic, and he quit using H-D oil year's ago. He knows there are many better quality regular petroleum oil's out there than the way over-rated H-D brand! I will happily promote your product to other enthusiast's down the line. Thanks Again......Charles Graham

Selling What's Needed, Delivering Quality Desired
By Jim and Elaine Norland
Reprinted from the AUTO LAUNDRY NEWS published by EW Williams Publications Company

Flagstop Car Care Center in Colonial Heights, VA is the newest of six Flagstop units, all in the Richmond-to-Petersburg area. The principles that guide operations at this sparkling new site are unchanged since the company began nearly 25 years ago.

The car wash and quick lube services at Colonial Heights give drivers quality, convenience and speed, as do many such combos. What boosts both customer satisfaction and company profit at every Flagstop is vehicular savvy and making sure customers know what their cars need while avoiding the hard sell.
" We want to get every honest dollar we can for the services our customers need," says company president Bob Schrum. In fact, if any Flagstop employee pushes services that aren't needed, he's out of a job.

Flagstop units combine tunnel ride-through washes with full-service option, self-serve wash bays, quick-lube centers, and detail shops, all operating side-by-side and cross-merchandised with high-volume gas stations and convenience stores.

At the newest sites - Colonial Heights and on Ironbridge Road in Chester - attractive vaulted lobbies and gift shop areas are accessorized and stocked with antiques, accented with the warmth (in appropriate months) of gas-burning fireplaces. Business centers at these stores provide customers with phone and fax services as well.

Both of these new stores are prototypes of what Flagstop intends in its future expansion. They include a Hanna-equipped wash tunnel, three or four quick-lube bays, a two-bay detail center, and five or six self-serve wash bays.

Schrum, a land developer and builder of single-family homes before getting into the car wash business in 1981, built his first store in his hometown of Chester, VA. The combination of gas station, convenience store, exterior wash and lube center was largely untested then, and some of his contemporaries thought he "was Looney Tunes to build an operation like that," he recalls. Many of his wash customers soon wanted their vehicle interiors cleaned, too, so Schrum offered it as an option.
The self-serve bays up close, fronted by vacuum islands.

The Ironbridge Road store in Chester, which opened in late 1999, achieves about half of its dollar volume in its conveyor wash. The CITGO-branded lube shop generates nearly a third of the total dollars. Detailing accounts for roughly 7 percent of the dollar total, and the self-serve wash bays bring in approximately 8 percent, a recent month's analysis shows. The gift shop, stocked with antiques as well as car care items, adds a little over 5 percent in sales while helping to provide a welcoming lobby ambiance.

An exterior wash at Flagstop can be purchased for as little as $6.99 - and for a lot less than that if that same car returns frequently. This wash includes prep work at the entrance and both machine and hand drying at the finish line. The most popular wash, however, is the $19.99 Super Works. At that level, drivers get a full-service wash, air freshener, tri-poly clear-coat conditioners, clear-coat protectant, and deluxe wheel cleaning with tire dressing. Customers with trucks pay an additional $1, while van, SUV and oversized vehicle drivers add $2.

Flagstop's lube-service menu begins with an 18-point full-service oil change for $29.99 plus a 96-cent environmental fee. If a vehicle is overdue for an oil change, Flagstop has a deluxe full-service change including an AMSOIL engine flush, for $39.95. While CITGO is the principal lubricant brand, Flagstop offers alternatives such as Pennzoil and Castrol.

AMSOIL synthetic oil now accounts for up to 15 percent of Flagstop lube shop volume. Schrum was won over to the company's products through personal experience. "Many years ago, we started putting AMSOIL gear oil in our Cat pumps. Now I've got some Cat pumps at our older store that have been in operation for 23 years, so I'm definitely a believer." All of his managers have chosen AMSOIL for their personal vehicles, he adds.
Comfortable seating by a warm and cozy fireplace - who'd mind waiting?

Customers are never pressured into purchasing services needed to keep their cars in tip-top operating condition, but carefully advised and educated by Flagstop managers on what may be needed and why.

Schrum says there's plenty of business to be had with such tactics, because most drivers neglect performing maintenance that vehicle manufacturers and others recommend. Frequent tire rotation, windshield wiper blade replacement, engine flushing, transmission service, power steering flush and fill, and radiator service are among these neglected areas.

When such a need is identified, Flagstop personnel will advise the driver and suggest that the service be performed on their next visit. That way, customers coming in for a routine oil change can spend what they had planned, and budget ahead for their next visit, Schrum explains.

At his first Flagstop location, Schrum not only had the car wash and other car care services, but also operated a convenience store and pumped gas. Now, he and his wife, Jeannie, concentrate on car care exclusively at their newer sites, with gas and convenience store operations handled by another operator, Wawa.

"We built at Ironbridge about a year before the arrival of Wawa, which is a big gas and c-store operation primarily operating in the mid-Atlantic states," Bob notes. In addition to the Wawa unit in Chester, there is now another at the Colonial Heights Flagstop.

In the beginning, Schrum realized the cross-merchandising potential of a gas and c-store operation
combined with car care services. But he and his wife realized they needed to concentrate on the latter to produce a package of quality car services. Operating a car care center plus a gas and convenience store would commit them to 18-hour days, they figured, instead of the 12-hour days they now regularly work managing just car care functions
The cashier does her job under a huge American flag in the lofty lobby.

At their newest sites, the Schrums have built their car care facility on the back part of the lot, leaving the prime spot for Wawa. Drivers do not only fuel their vehicles at Wawa, they also get a wide selection of food ranging from typical grocery needs to delicatessen staples to sandwiches prepared on the spot. Moreover, "We're very similar in our customer care philosophies, so it's a nice match," Bob Schrum observes.

Cross merchandising between Wawa and Flagstop makes business better for both. On the Wawa counters are dollar-off coupons on any car wash and $3 discount coupons on any full-service quick lube. The printed receipt from Flagstop car wash notes that it's good for $1 off any hoagie at Wawa.
With his knowledge of the demographics, Schrum and Wawa's real estate specialist have become very close in picking future sites. Chesterfield County has grown tremendously over the past 20 years, Bob Schrum reports, and now has about 250,000 people in a county stretching between Petersburg and Richmond.

The Schrums have chosen carefully in building, equipping, branding, and staffing their car care operations. One factor that influenced their choice of CITGO as the brand for their quick lube center is that it enables Flagstop to accept any of more thantwo dozen credit and fleet cards. The detailing center features the Meguiar's product line.

The three newest Flagstops feature Hanna-equipped tunnels - a 110-foot tunnel and 130-foot conveyor at Ironbridge and a 100-foot tunnel and 120-foot conveyor at Colonial Heights. The Hanna equipment was acquired through Howco, Inc., Hanna's North Carolina-based distributor. Most of the self-serve equipment is from Carolina Pride out of Greensboro, NC.

Keeping that equipment working properly is partly the responsibility of each site manager, all trained "to fix the minor things that break in day-to-day operations," Schrum says. For other needs, Flagstop relies on its full-time maintenance specialist, John Bowman.

"John has been with us for many years and has helped us build new locations and has managed our lube shops. He's very knowledgeable in plumbing, electrical, and overall general repairs, and he knows the equipment we have," Schrum notes. "We always keep two or three of everything that can and will break - always after 5 on a Friday - at each location or else in John's van.

The entire 100-member Flagstop staff is outfitted with company shirts, sweatshirts, caps and even toboggan-type stocking caps, provided at nominal cost. All employees must wear khaki pants, which they purchase on their own.

Full-time employees (averaging 35 or more hours a week) can get hospitalization, dental, and some life insurance - the employee and Flagstop splitting the premium cost.

Some Flagstop employees are long-time veterans, particularly those who share a concern for customers and their cars. All full-time employees attend regular staff meetings covering everything from safety and quality control to customer care and marketing.

Perhaps the best example of employee longevity is Jamie Nester, who has been with the company for over 10 years and is now vice president of operations. Nester was hired "right out of high school" as a cashier/greeter. He quickly proved his love for the business and his understanding of the Schrums' philosophies of customer care, and his responsibilities grew as the company expanded.

Flagstop demonstrates its concern for communities in its market both in environmental practices and in supporting local causes. The company co-sponsors (at a cost of $7,500) the annual Chesterfield County/Colonial Heights Crime Solvers Golf Tournament, and gives four free car washes away to between three and five civic, youth, church and similar groups each week during the year.

Environmentally, "We recycle about 30 percent of our automatic wash water and we make sure that all of our wash water goes into the sanitary sewer and not the storm drain," Bob Schrum says. Used oil from the lube shops is wisely used, too, in waste-oil heaters that provide indoor comfort for employees during colder months.

Combining helpful, convenient car care and care for the community, Flagstop Car Care Centers are a welcome and bustling presence in the central Virginia area between Petersburg and Richmond. Competitors abound, but Flagstop believes its emphasis on quality will continue to win customers who want "The Ultimate in Car Care."

Jim and Elaine Norland are regular contributors to Auto Laundry News
Reprinted from the AUTO LAUNDRY NEWS published by EW Williams Publications Company

High Flying Fun With AMSOIL

Whats that up in the sky? No not a bird, but it is a plane, and it is taking AMSOIL motor oil to new heights. Al Gaudiosi builds and pilots his own model airplanes which run off of AMSOIL motor oils. Al wrote in to AMSOIL and told us, I have been using AMSOIL Two-Cycle oil in my model aircraft for a couple of years. I find my engines operate cooler and have a marked increase in RPM over other engines. My engines are also much cleaner and have no spark plug fouling. Im even able to use a larger propeller to increase my vertical performance. Im often asked by other modelers why my engines run so well. My answer is I owe it all to AMSOIL.

AMSOIL Quality Beats Competitor, Earns New Customer

AMSOIL Preferred Customer Mark Tweedale, Neenah, Wis., learned about the quality and cost savings he can depend on with AMSOIL Series 2000 2-Cycle Synthetic Racing Oil after a hard lesson using Pennzoil-Quaker State oil in his watercrafts.

The watercrafts are stock Kawasaki Ultra 150s, bought new in 1999 and 2000. They have a triple cylinder 1200cc motor that puts out 145 horsepower with a top radar speed of 65 mph.

"They are Kawasaki's top of the line muscle crafts," Tweedale said.

The machines use a race spark plug that costs "a whopping $15 each," Tweedale said. "I began fouling plugs almost immediately into their use."

In fact, he fouled out 30 plugs in the first year. He took the watercrafts back to the dealer to try to identify the source of the problem. "The dealer found nothing mechanically wrong with my watercrafts," Tweedale said. The dealer told Tweedale none of his other Ultras had experienced this plug fouling problem.

Tweedale began to suspect his oil and he contacted Pennzoil-Quaker State about the problem, explained the expense of the plugs and that the machines were mechanically sound. "I asked them for help and possible reimbursement for my plugs," Tweedale said.

Pennzoil-Quaker State sent a letter requesting Tweedale send in some of his oil for analysis. After the oil had been analyzed, Tweedale received a letter from the oil company stating that, while the oil's additives showed signs of breakdown from aging, it was not to the extent that it would foul plugs in his watercraft. "They offered me no reimbursement toward my plug expense," Tweedale said. They did offer him a gallon of their synthetic oil.

While talking with coworkers, he discovered Gary Yashinsky, an AMSOIL Preferred Customer in Green Bay, Wis. Yashinsky "had only positive things to say about AMSOIL," Tweedale said. "He truly went the extra mile to help me solve my problem and also to promote AMSOIL."

Tweedale was convinced. He had the Series 2000 Racing Oil installed in the watercraft early in the spring of 2002.

"I went the entire summer with no fouled plugs in either watercraft," Tweedale said. "Unbelievable. What a difference oil can make."

He became a Preferred Customer and does everything he can to promote AMSOIL products to his friends and coworkers. "I will be an AMSOIL Preferred Customer forever," he said. "Thank you AMSOIL for putting out a quality product which in turn solved this problem for me."

He does most of his watercrafting in Lake Superior, the world's largest freshwater lake. Generally, Tweedale starts his trips on the big lake at Munising Bay. He plans this summer to complete a ride started last year with his friend Todd Olson of Gwinn, Mich., that traverses the shoreline along the entire Upper Peninsula. "We completed half of it last summer and simply ran out of nice weather," he said. "It's one cold lake and can get downright violent at times. That's what makes it a challenge."

This year, the trip takes them from Little Girls Point north of Ironwood, Mich., around the peninsula and back to Houghton; the final leg covering the distance from Grand Marais to Sault Ste. Marie.

When their journey is over this year, the two—along with Olson's wife, Gina Olson, and Tweedale's fiance, Kristi Krajewski, who will join them at different stages along the coast—will cover nearly 400 miles. That's in addition to a nearly 200-mile trip last year. They plan the trip in stages because the lake takes its toll on their bodies.

"We move on as soon as our bodies and muscles recover from the pounding of the first (stage)," he said. "We tend to get beat up a little bit out there on (Lake) Superior. North winds are bad."

This article appeared in the AMSOIL Action News, May 2003