Oh When The Saints Go Marching In...

Well, not so much marching in as they are skating in. As many of you would know, the Dubuque Fighting Saints have started their 2015-2016 season this month! They're in preseason right now, and their first official game is the 26th AT HOME! By the way, they play at the Mystique Arena down by the river! These fantastic players have qualified for the playoff rounds 5 straight years, winning the Anderson Cup (league title) in 2012-2013. Many have gone off to top colleges and the NHL. What better local team to support than Saints? Am I right? 

Victory Ford is a proud sponsor of the Saints. Some ways we are involved at every game are announcements, radio spots, post-game t shirt and "stress truck" tosses. There are more specific things we do with them as well!

If you like free tickets to events, we've got some great opportunities for you! Four center-ice tickets (best seats in the house) will be given away this season for 17 games! Even though there isn't a bad seat in the house, these are THE BEST and FREE! Listen for giveaways on the radio or you may win by buying from us!

Maxx & Bernie at Mascot Mania

Bernie makes appearances at Victory Events and Maxx Mustang goes to some of the Saints games. For the Mascot Mania game, which Victory hosts, we give out 25 attack zone seats for fans! Mascots from all over the Dubuque area come to meet and greet fans, run around on the ice, and have tons of fun! Potential dates for Mascot Mania this year are February, 27, March, 5, March, 9, and March, 19. Keep a close eye out and maybe you can win tickets!

Victory also hosts the Chuck-A-Puck contest. Chuck-A-Puck is a popular event done by many high school, intermediate, and college games. Fans pay a certain amount per puck and when it comes time, they "chuck the puck" at a designated spot on the ice. Whoever gets the closest, wins the pool of money! For Victory's Chuck-A-Puck, fans toss their pucks towards our banner on the ice. At the end of the season, the winners get a chance to shoot for a vehicle! If you're a maverick at shooting pucks, this could be an easy win for you! On average, 300-600 pucks are sold throughout the season. This year we're also giving away free car washes and trade evaluations!

Bernie at Victory's Customer Appreciation Day

To help out local area children, Victory is also expanding its reading program with the Saints. We partnered with the Carnegie-Stout Library in Dubuque and the Saints from December through March. The library already hosts a Summer program, attracting around 3,000 kids. We hope those numbers get boosted with the Winter Reading Program! Appearances at the library will include Saints players, coaches, Bernie, and Maxx Mustang. These special guests will read to the children. The kids absolutely love it in the summer time!

Along with the appearances, the Saints will be giving out 2 tickets to a home game in April for each student who completes the program! Education and sports, what a perfect combination for growing kids! You can find out more about the reading program on the Saints website and social media!

Victory wishes the Dubuque Fighting Saints a tremendous "victory" this 2015-2016 season and we hope to see YOU at the games! Come, have some fun, and watch one of the most exciting sports in the world! GO SAINTS!

Never Forget, Always Honor - Patriot's Day Special!

I remember it like it was yesterday, as I'm sure you do as well... 

Awkward 6th Grade Me

Birthdays, one of the best days in someone's life besides holidays and graduating high school. I woke up early, ready to get the day started. The 6th grade school year had just begun and middle school was a whole new world! We were in Mrs. Paulson's reading class when we got word that One World Trade Center had been hit by a plane. Now to a 6th grader, that didn't really seem like much. Most of us just kind of shrugged, thinking it was just an accident. We went back to reading although Mrs. Paulson was on edge. We shuffled off to the library after some time had gone by. When we got there the librarian was crying and watching the television. Two World Trade Center had been hit as well. At that moment I knew that my 12th birthday, and all of my birthdays after that, would never be the same. The rest of the day was electric. The static of the events that took place carried through lunch, orchestra, and even when I returned home from school. We lightly celebrated my birthday in between watching the television. Tuesday, September 11th, 2011 is a day I will never forget, along with everyone else in America and around the world. 

Now known as Patriot's Day, September 11th is a national holiday. We remember those who bravely went into the towers, doing their duty as policemen and firemen. Some came out, many didn't. At the Pentagon, firemen and policemen rallied together to put out the flames and rescue those inside. Acts of courage beyond belief happened that day.

To celebrate Patriot's Day, Victory Ford is offering free oil changes to policemen, firemen, paramedics, and veterans. It's a small thanks for the great work you all do in your community. Please stop in and receive your oil change on us!

We appreciate you calling in early to schedule an appointment as the day tends to fill up quick!

Thanks again to all of those who serve, we appreciate it immensely!

For The Troops

Some people choose to work at a grocery store. Some choose to sell cars. Some will work their whole lives at a desk in an office building overlooking the city. There are those select few however, that choose to give their all, their whole being, to their country. Those people are the people we choose to honor during the month of August here at Victory.

For every car we sell, new and used, $50 goes to the Dubuque Iowa National Guard's Family Readiness Group. The FRG supports the families of National Guard members in so many ways. They prepare families for future deployment, with the emotional and physical battle of having a loved one overseas. They include all members of the military and provide that extra "hug" that is sometimes needed during deployment. Many families look to the FRG for help and it's important that these types of organizations get recognized for the great work they do!
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We have a couple employees at Victory who either served, or are currently serving, in the military. We want to give them a big thanks for their brave contribution to the U.S. and for their hard efforts here at work!

Patrick Valant:
A quote from Pat, "I was in the US Army from 83-87, USAR from 88-89, and IARNG 2010 - present.  Formerly a Combat Photographer and Operations Specialist, now a Heavy Transport Operator.  I served overseas in Korea and Afghanistan."

Emily Funke:
A quote from Emily, "I was active duty in the US Air Force for 4 years and the Iowa Air National Guard for 2 years.  My job was Airfield Management/Flight Ops. I got out in 1999 as an E-5 (Staff Sergeant). "

Adam Hoerner:
A quote from Adam, "I was a Humvee Gunner for the National Guard 1-133 infantry. My mission was convoy security and I was in Iraq in the Al Anbar province form 05-07. My unit has the longest deployment on record in Iraq out of any service branch." Adam also met Chuck Norris and beat him in a foot race...

David Oliver: National Guard, Afghanistan
Kim Palmer: Navy, Korea
Lloyd Manternach: Vietnam

If you stop into Victory, thank these men and women for their service and protecting our freedom!
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To learn more about the Iowa FRG, here is the link to their page: Iowa NG FRG
                                                                

More Than A Car Dealership

What do you think of then you think of Ford? We all know the basic facts. Ford is an auto manufacturer, its founder is Henry, the Tin Lizzie, etc. It's also one of the staples of American heritage. What else is a staple of American heritage? Small towns and hard-working people. In these small towns, the community thrives. Everyone and everybody knows one another. Just like Miranda Lambert sings, "Everybody dies famous in a small town." Well, Victory doesn't plan to die any time soon, but it sure hopes to make a mark here in Dyersville. Those who may not be familiar with Victory may think, "Oh it's just a car dealership." or, "They sell Fords." While that may be true, Victory is also A LOT more involved than just giving people quality cars. We support the surrounding areas in more ways than one and if you didn't know, now you will! 

Victory Ford is very active in the lives of students. From little tykes to graduating seniors, Victory supports and enriches these kids in many ways.



Reading 4 A Reason is program Victory does throughout the school year and into the summer months. It encourages children to read and enjoy books! Reading enhances speech and vocabulary in young, budding minds. As you can see on the left, there are plenty of ways children get to be rewarded for keeping up on their reading. Maxx Mustang  even gets involved and the kids love it! If you're interested in starting up Reading 4 A Reason, call Kalie @ (563) 875-2409. You won't be dissapointed!

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Another way Victory gets involved in students' lives is through scholarships. Currently, Victory supports both Beckman Catholic High School and Western Dubuque High School. We have several different scholarships that run throughout the year. 

Our Athlete of the Month scholarship  one that Victory  Ford Created to honor the local students who excel not only in athletics but in academics and leadership. Throughout the year the students will be nominated by a board that consist of coaches and administrative staff. Once a selection has been made the student will be contacted and will receive a certificate and a Athlete of the Month - Fueling the dream Scholarship application form. The scholarship will only be offered to those athletes who were selected as Victory Ford's Athlete of the Month, and will have a chance to receive $1000.00 towards furthering their education and athletics.





Another scholarship program Victory has is the Fueling Your Education award. It is for all students who are involved in at least one extracurricular activity. There will be one studentselected from Western Dubuque High School as the Fueling Your Education Scholarship winner and will receive $500.00 to further their education. The student must be able to supply a list of the current and past extracurricular activities, an official or unofficial transcript, a letter of recommendation from their teacher, and a short essay describing the how they were impacted being involved in such extracurricular activities. 

If you are interested in applying for our scholarship programs, click this link! Victory Ford Scholarships
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Victory also supports efforts in cancer awareness. Team Victory does various events and raises money for cancer research. The girls have a lot of fun doing it too! 





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Among other things, we sponsor the USHL Dubuque Fighting Saints hockey team, Farley racing, Drive 4 Ur School, Dyersville Friday Nights, and much more! See, Victory Ford is a lot like what the founder of Ford wanted. We're a hard-working team, building America's future one step at a time!

Let's Go Exploring

Come join me on a little adventure as we go on an exploration through the new Ford Explorer! Do you have trips planned this summer? Taking kids to sports games? Hauling that boat out to the lake or river? Well, I think the Explorer can do all that and more! I actually took a 2013 XLT home with me last night as my Edge is in the shop right now. I was pretty impressed with it. I mean, I see them quite often when I take photos, but I never really drive them a great distance. I got a nice half an hour trek in the '13 and, like I said, I was pleased with it. It's roomy and comfortable. It drives nicely considering its size. It doesn't feel like I'm pulling a ton of weight, which I can say the opposite of the 2013 Durango. So anyways, Victory is beginning to see the brand-new 2016 Explorers, so I will go through the motions with that! So let's begin...
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The Basics

- New 2016 have a redesigned body style! The grille is really sharp and Ford added larger fog lamps that really add to the sportiness of the vehicle.
- 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 Engine
- 2.3L I-4 EcoBoost engine is an option as well
- 6 speed SelectShift automatic transmission
- 19 mpg city, 20mpg highway
- AdvanceTrac w/ Roll Stability Control (traction control, prevents sliding sideways)
- SYNC
- Available tow packages
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All specs are to the highest package available at that level (loaded)

XLT

- Fog lamps
- Reverse sensing system
- LED signature lighting
- Leather seats
- Push button start
- Remote start
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  Limited

- Navigation
- 12 speaker Sony audio
- Perforated leather seats
- Heated/cooled seats
- BLIS blind-spot
- Active Park Assist
- Lane departure warning
- Power fold third row seating

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Sport

- 3.5L EcoBoost engine (same as the one in the     F-150)
- Sport tuned suspension
- Black grille
- 20" aluminum wheels w/ black pockets
- Leather seats with red accent stitching
- Heated/cooled seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 12 speaker Sony audio
- Hands-free lift gate
- Dual-panel moonroof
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  Platinum

- 3.5L EcoBoost
- 20" wheels
- Nirvana leather seats w/ quilted inserts
- 500W Sony audio
- Everything the Sport package comes with minus Sport specific items



- Dual-panel moonroof
- Enhanced park assist
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Get out and go on adventures this year. Wherever those adventures may be, try it out in a new Explorer!

#drivevictory

A Whale of a Tale

So Dave, one of our sales guys, had an awesome customer review today! They wrote a poem about their cay buying adventure! So here it is... The Tale of Captain Dave - A Customer's Review

We've got a whole crew of mighty mates and sailors, stop in and give them an, "Ahoy!"

Tomorrowland: Ford's Future Vehicles

There's much abuzz surrounding the Ford community. From cars to trucks, Ford is thinking ahead and is ready to unveil its 2016 and 2017 vehicles. It's the new beginning for a couple different models that Ford has had in the past. Do you like super cars? Race cars? How about beefy, sporty trucks? Well, if you like one or even all three, peek under that veil and discover the Ford GT, Focus RS, and Raptor truck! These new, stunning vehicles are sure to impress and boost Ford's already outstanding presence in the car industry.

Let's see what these new vehicles are all about!

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2017 Ford GT
Engine: Twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6
Available late 2016
Projected MSRP: $250,000
Last date of production: 2006

It's been nearly 10 years since we've seen the GT emerge! The classic Ford GT has received a modern, edgy overhaul. One big feature is the new engine. The original GT featured a V8 engine. Gas could get pretty expensive, especially knowing the types of drivers who own these vehicles! The new GT shed the V8 and exchanged it for a twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. Ford SAYS that it can exude 600hp. It will also produce plenty of torque to push you back into your seat.

The new carbon-fiber body is really a piece of art. The front end still holds some of that classic GT beauty, but Ford stepped up their game and re-imagined the rest of the new GT.The lines of the body are lot more angular. There are plenty of cuts in the sides, front, and rear, which enhance it's fast moving style. The vents on the side almost seem to float in mid air, leaving open space between the rear and the hood. HID head lights are something new, making this thing look wicked at night.

Car & Driver ranks the GT among top competitors such as the Ferrari 458, Audi R8, and the Chevy Corvette. She really is a spectacle!
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2016 Focus RS

Engine: Twin-Turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost

                                         Available: Spring 2016

Projected MSRP: $30,000

Last production date: 2016, first line

The Focus ST just got a bigger, badder brother in the new 2016 Focus RS. For you motorheads who thought the ST was fun, you don't know what fun is yet. Its engine will tell you that. The Turbocharged 2.3L Ecoboost engine puts out 315hp, whilst the ST puts out 252hp. VROOM!

The RS also utilizes Ford's Dynamic Torque Vectoring system. What this is is it gives you high-performance, maximum traction and stability when cornering. So basically it handles superbly. It's also equipped with all-wheel drive.

Being brand-new from Ford, the RS has no previous models to contend with. Though I highly doubt it wouldn't impress. It's front end is a lot more bolder than the ST as well as the spoiler on the back. But then again, the more power, the bigger the spoiler for keeping that thing on the ground!  It comes standard with 19" wheels and BiXenon head lights as well. The RS is bold, fast, and exciting. Can't wait to see what my husband thinks of this ;)

Car & Driver ranks the RS among the Volkswagen Golf R and the Subaru WRX STI.
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2017 Ford Raptor
Engine: Twin-Turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6
Available: Fall 2016
Projected MSRP: $49,000
Last production date: 2013

The Raptor is a really supped up, really aggressive version of the F-150. It's not out there for racers and speed geeks (although it does pack a punch in the speed category.) Plus, I also just like jacked up trucks! Don't be fooled by the V6 engine. It's just as hefty as the V8, without the growl. It will put out 411hp and 434 ft lbs of torque. Just like the other new Ford trucks, the body is made from aluminum, making it 500 pounds lighter than the previous Raptors!

The Raptor's suspension has also been given a facelift with 3 inch Fox Racing shocks instead of 2.5 inch shocks of days old.

The interior also has unique Raptor leather and suede seats. They're definitely a cool feature! The Raptor also comes standard with duel exhaust, LED lighting, and 17" wheels with BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Tires



Make no mistake, the Raptor is as fierce as the name makes it out to be. A real terror in the vast world of off-roading!
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#drivevictory