The Penn Coachmen chapter hopes to make this multichapter event at the Pocono Raceway an annual affair, and they had so much fun at the inaugural gathering that next year they are inviting all FMCA members to attend.
By Gary & Sue Cipa, F431859
February 2022
Talk about an attention-getter! In mid-October, we spent four days at the famous Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, for what we hope will become an annual tradition: the “Penn Coachmen and Friends” high-octane rally. Forty-eight RVs — including Type A, B, and C motorhomes; travel trailers; fifth-wheels; classic GMC motorhomes; and a converted bus — parked in the infield to enjoy the hospitality of the racetrack and the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. The infield parking area is where racecar drivers station their RVs during events and features 124 full-hookup sites. The accommodations were wonderful, access was superb, and the festivities never stopped.
Penn Coachmen chapter members organized the rally as an end-of-season get-together, and Phyllis Britz, the Eastern Area’s northern regional vice president, extended invitations to all the chapters in her area. Seven chapters ended up being represented. Additional interest was generated during our membership drive at America’s Largest RV Show in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and this added to the attendance. The result was nothing short of fabulous.
The Pocono Raceway is the home of NASCAR’s “Tricky Triangle” annual race, and track president Ben May and his team opened their facility to us for virtually unrestricted access. In addition to facility tours, we were granted full use of the facility restaurant for our meals and meetings. More than a dozen attendees took advantage of special ride-along pricing for 160-mph spins around the 2½-mile track. We enjoyed many impromptu get-togethers, including a specially prepared bananas Foster treat after dark.
Penn Coachmen offered a special training and information seminar focusing on safety and gizmos to enhance the RV lifestyle, led by two FMCA RV Basics instructors. In addition, a fire-safety vendor presented a special product-specific program. Rally activities also included racetrack bingo, bean bag baseball, card games, and plenty of socializing.
Speaking of meals . . . the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau and its executive vice president, Brian Bossuyt, provided a special Octoberfest meal at the track restaurant. Brats, sauerkraut, perogies, German slaw, German chocolate cake, and liquid refreshments were on the menu, and no one left hungry. Penn Coachmen members also prepared a pasta dinner, pancake and sausage breakfast, and continental breakfast during the rally.
The Pocono Mountains are breathtaking to visit, and the visitors bureau provided information about area attractions. Many of the rally attendees enjoyed a trip to the historic town of Jim Thorpe, a fall foliage train ride through the valley, or visits to local sites and wineries. Activities were nonstop, with plenty to do, see, and enjoy. What a great venue.
We left the rally smiling from ear to ear and totally exhausted. We also added several new Penn Coachmen members.
Our hosts have invited us back again next year, and we have accepted the invitation. Our goal is to double the attendance of 2021, and the rally will be open to all FMCA members (and soon-to-be members). Please join us in 2022 for the second annual Pocono rally.