Now live on RVBuddies, the 3rd Annual Florida Sunshine Statesman GMC Drag Race from Orlando, Florida.

Eastern correspondent and friend of the program, Jim Bounds, owner of Cooperative Motor Works, hosts this RV Buddies Online special event show-casing the historic GMC motor home.

Born of automotive heritage, the GMC boasts a 403 or 455 front-wheel-drive drive train – revolutionary for its time. These cult classics can still be seen throughout the United States and Canada.

There are a number of shops specializing in the restoration, and in some cases – "severe modification", of these classic coaches. RV Buddies is currently involved in a massive GMC project. Jim Bounds is known for his extreme projects which include dramatic styling changes, high-end audio and video systems, and of course – performance from turbos, new engines and diesel transformations.

Some GMC owners drove thousands of miles to attend the event. The camaraderie, along with the pride of ownership makes this one of the closest-knit communities within an already close RV world.

There are over 20 clubs nationwide under the FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association),  umbrella dedicated to these GMC aficionados alone.

There was a lot of fun at the event. Besides the GMC RVs - motorcycles, trucks and cars ran down the drag strip. Initially, the audience was a bit taken back by the site of the motor homes. The video shows some traditional "trash-talking" as spectators and contestants alike brag, boast and predict all possible outcomes. Strategies included whether to empty the holding tank or not for better traction on the track. One racer pondered turning the TV on during his run for entertainment.

Action in the pits was ever-present. GMC owners and experts helped each other out with maintenance and upgrade issues. Fire Fight, a provider of fire suppression systems  was on hand to educate the GMC owners on the value of these life-saving devices. Besides the practical pit-side activities – much food and beverage was shared.

There is nothing as American as an RV. And RVers love NASCAR and drag races. So the idea that the front wheel drive of an RV can burn rubber down a drag strip has to be a dream-come-true.

The winner of the event who set a new record (22.514 seconds at 62 MPH), was Bob Heller, driving #9587, a 1974 GMC running a 455 big-block engine with 110,000 original miles. Bob does all his own work and maintenance.

Many more events are planned for the future; and all who participated vow to continue to set new speed records.

Motorhome and Accessories  Exhibition  Rolls Into Bowling Green as part of FMCA Convention

Hundreds of motorhomes and a variety of accessory merchandise will be assembled in Bowling Green in mid-July in a display of recreation vehicles at Bowling Green State University.  The motorhome exhibition, which will take place Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, July 20, 21, 22, and 23, 2009, is part of a convention of an international motorhome owners' club, the Family Motor Coach Association, based in Cincinnati.

On Monday, July 20, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., a special viewing of only the motorhome exhibits will take place.  Hours for viewing motorhome and booth display exhibits are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Some 18 motorhome manufacturers and five Ohio dealers will be bringing new motorhomes to Bowling Green for convention attendees to tour. Plus, approximately 230 companies will display their wares inside the air-conditioned space of the Charles Perry Field House, encompassing nearly 75,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space.

The daily fee for viewing motorhomes and booth displays is $7.00 per person; children 12 and under admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Save $2.00 on a day pass by bringing a nonperishable food item to benefit the Bowling Green Food Pantry. A Daily Passport that provides admittance to the exhibits, seminars, and daytime and evening entertainment is available for $55.00 per person.  The admission fee on Monday covers admission on Tuesday as well.

Public parking will be available at Bowling Green State University in Lot 1 off Willard Drive. From Interstate 75, take Bowling Green Exit 181. Turn west onto East Wooster Street and then turn right on Thurstin Avenue; turn right on Merry Avenue and then right again on Willard Drive and follow the signs.

Convention attendees will be able to view the latest features and innovations that are available in motorhomes.  Some of the displays will feature production-line units, and others will demo custom-built coaches for uses ranging from family camping to transporting high-tech business equipment, or for use as conference coaches.  A great variety of motorhome styles and a broad price range will be represented.  In addition, the Charles Perry Field House will overflow with RV accessories, components, supplies, campground information, and more.

Motorhomes are a popular travel option.  According to a recent consumer study conducted by the University of Michigan, U.S. ownership of RVs has reached record levels. Nearly one in 12 U.S. vehicle-owning households now owns an RV.

In addition, the potential for future growth in RV ownership in general in the United States is considerable.  Sales of recreation vehicles are expected to increase as baby boomers move into their prime RV-buying years.

Industry officials believe that the advantages of RV travel in today's climate will help to drive market growth.  Families want to spend quality time together and prefer the greater freedom, flexibility, control, and comfort RVs provide. Younger consumers and empty-nesters are both realizing the advantages of RVing over other forms of travel.

The RV exhibition is just one element of the Family Motor Coach Association motorhome owners convention.  Approximately 2,600 families will travel from across North America in their motorhomes to take part in the event, and some 8,000 people will be on hand. The convention will include seminars on topics relative to RVing; topflight professional entertainment; and various social events.

The Family Motor Coach Association offers to its members benefits the likes of mail forwarding service, trip routing, accidental death insurance coverage, a medical evacuation program, group rates for an emergency roadside assistance plan, a fuel discount program, and much more, along with its monthly magazine, Family Motor Coaching, which is filled with helpful information for the motorhome enthusiast.  The organization's national office is located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and can be reached toll-free by calling (800) 543-3622 or on the Web at www.fmca.com.