the news

Team Ansel Mt Adams finishes fast, too fast. With a combined age of 279 years the Red Bull Team of Ansel Mt. Adams definitely had the most experience in the field of 40 at the Cincinnati Red Bull Race held this past Saturday. Team spokesperson Wilbur “Worldwide” Montgomery had this to say when questioned about the run, ” For 14 seconds we owned her, but I guess our age caught up with us , we had nothing left after her first curve. We just couldn’t go the distance.”

Dan “Yosemite” Francis, the team driver had a great run despite almost sliding out of the car at the first turn due to the super-slick polymer suit and waxed down seat which gave him zero traction. When questioned about this design flaw that seemed to be the major snafu in there quest for the gold, Dan was very direct, “Shutter Speed” Barnett and “Zippi” Vondersaar might as well of rubbed me down with
baby oil and sent me down the hill in a bath tub, I would have had more traction, probably a little extra fun too, maybe that will be my next car. Tony “Photo Finish” when asked about wardrobe malfunction would not comment on the record, but said an independent group of photographers from APA will be looking into what went wrong.
The team has announced a three state tour of this historic car over the next few months, so look for time and locations on the ASMP web site, www.asmpovc.org. They would also like to thank all the ASMP members, family and friends who came out in support.

More pictures to follow!!!

Indianapolis-Team Ansel Mt. Adams suffered a major set back Thursday during speed trials in Indianapolis, Indiana.   The incident occurred as Dan “Yosemite” Francis took Ol’ Woody into a hair pin turn and his focus cloth slipped.   When ask about the crash Dan just keep yelling “Mah Biscuits are Burning, thats Smarts, Darn “ShutterSpeed” Barnett, ya better say your prayers, ya flea bitten varmint, I’m a-gonna blow you to smithereens!”

The other potentially devastating development that occurred is the potential loss of Joe “Zippy” Vondersaar to a blown hamstring, in which steroid use is highly suspected.  Team Captain Wilbur “Worldwide” Montgomery when reached for comment had this to say about the allegations of drug use…  “Look, I worked Zippy for twelve years, have you seen the size of that mustache?  It would grow four inches overnight!  Your body can’t produce that much hair naturally.  I should have had him tested when his head would no longer fit under a focusing cloth, he has cost us.  Tony “Photo Finish” Arrasmith will replace him on the launch team, and he’s a wimp, so we’re doomed.”

As for the damaged done to Ol’ Woody’s rear axle, it’s not looking good to find a replacement part at this late hour.  The team seemed to have a deal worked out with the “Last Supper” entry, they had offer Barabus forty pieces of gold for their axle, but his team member, Simon Peter got wind of it and denied the transaction.

Stay tuned!!!!

You won’t want to miss this!!!  Mark your calendars, Saturday, October 4th!!!

(PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID WENDT)

Come see what Tony’s long time friend and Ansel Mt. Adam’s Team Captain, Wilbur Montgomery- otherwise known as “Worldwide”, has come up with for this race.  Taking our cues from the American West of yore, we photographer boys are a-hankerin’ to blow away the rackin’ frackin’ competition!

As photographers we have an abiding respect for Ansel Adams, an artist who immortalized the Western US in black-and-white photography.  Our racer, “Ol Woody” has been modeled after Adam’s old-school view camera.

Watch “Yosemite” shoot out of the starting gate peering from his focusing cloth,  as “Worldwide” gives him his final shutter speeds and f-stops.  Get your digital camera ready to capture “Ol Woody” on his way to the finish line.

There’s also a People’s Choice winner to this race…so text your vote to Team14 72855 ON OCTOBER 4TH!!

TEAM ANSEL MT. ADAMS DRIVER:  “Yosemite” Dan Francis    MECHANICS:  Tony “Photo Finish” Arrasmith, Jim “ShutterSpeed” Barnett,  Wilbur “Worldwide” Montgomery, Joe “Zippi” Vondersaar

Tanned, rested and ready, okay maybe not the tanned part. We did however, find the vacation spot to accomplish all three. The goal of our 2008 Family Vacation was a “Princess Intervention Week” for my 7 year old daughter, no malls, nail salons or shopping sprees, we disconnected from the grid (electricity and cell phones were exempt).
The result of these 9 days, of what most pre-teens would describe as exiled, was priceless. First of all we talked on a bench by the fire, in a porch swing, and while rowing a boat. We walked on trails and skipped rocks in the bay. Other activities included a two day 550 piece monochromatic puzzle, pontoon boat rides, fishing with the Scooby Do pole and feeding Cheez-Its to a flock of very competitive seagulls. At the end P.I.W. 2008 we all felt it was an overwhelming success and decided we should make the trip to Drummond Island, Michigan an annual event.

Tony will be on a soapbox derby team, the “The Ansel Mt. Adams“.   The Red Bull Derby is coming to Cincinnati in October.  Just received word that our team was accepted!  This is the “brain-child” of Wilbur Montgomery (friend/fellow ASMP member) from Indianapolis. We will be constructing and also running our specially designed soapbox derby car, stay tuned.  Go to redbull.com and check this out….

Sarah and her daughter Jenny recently worked together for Dan Britt of BrainSells, to do photo research for the The American Railroading Museum at the new EnterTRAINment Junction in West Chester, OH. If you like trains this is a destination! This venue is a $10 million project features 80,000 square feet of train displays from various time periods plus a fun house and other attractions. Daily operations begin Aug. 1, 2008.