as memory serves (from many thousands of hours googling) it was traxxas that released the first RTR.

locally there are 2 functioning tracks, an indoor carpet and an outdoor offroad. both have seasonal races (dirt in the summer, carpet in the winter). there are also 3 hobby shops (last i checked). the carpet track is in the back of one, then there is another that used to be good but something happened and they turned to crap, only carrying traxxas and venom (back when NIMH still ruled). the other is relatively new, a hobby town.