Hi,
No need to spend anything like $5,000 to get started or even be competitive.
You can spend $10,000 also.
But there are good/very good models,motors,esc's, chargers, power supplies and batteries out thereat a very reasonable price.
Batteries ; http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...Lipo_Pack.html
Chargers ; www.revolectrix.com
Power supplies ; http://www.feathermerchantrc.com/
You can charge at home then from your car to get up and going - the no,, of batteries you get matters.
An Axi motor or Hacker outrunner and Castle Esc are great value and very competitive ; www.f3aunlimited.com
Model ; http://www.f3aunlimited.com/webstore...roducts_id=475

Total ; inc 4 packs less than $2,000 for a good set up.

Brian