RE: what truggy for racing?
Serpent's got to be top of the list. It's the newest and bestest.
After that a 3-way tie between Mugen MBX6T and Associated RC8T CE and Losi 8T 2.0. Associated and Losi will be the cheapest and easiest to get parts for if/when necessary.
Mugen btw has by many accounts a problem with flimsy A-arms that break more easily than other brands.
I personally would go 1.) Serpent cuz it's the newest and most developed truggy, 2.) Associated RC8T CE - proven, tough, widely available, good quality, great steering, etc.., 3.) Mugen, good but wouldn't want to have to be so limited in my parts supplier(OK, same applies to the Serpent, but the Serpent is new, the Mugen is coming up on what, three years with no development?..), and 4.) Losi - capable of being the fastest but I don't like what I hear about Losis wearing so fast - i.e. needing parts replaced at a higher rate than other brands.