Guys,

My folks got me and my sister both piece of junk toy RC's for christmas. We messed around with them, etc. and it reminded me how fun RC cars are! I started doing a bit of searching online, and I think I want to purchase a hobby grade RC. I do have a bunch of questions though;

1) I think I'd like to get into racing eventually. There is a RC track near where I live, and I think I'd like to race in the 1/10 2wd buggy class. I'm a little intimated as a beginner, so I'm not sure if I want to race right off, or just bash around learning the car, which leads me to my next question

2) What kind of buggy should I get? I like realistic old school looking ones, and am hoping to both race AND bash. I'd like to spend between $100 - $200. I don't need to get the fastest, or best, but would like something that is upgradable down the road. I'd prefer that it is RTR out of the box. Since it's my first car, I want to jump right into driving, and not get into the gnitty gritty build.

3) For those racers out there: How do classes work? Don't the experienced racers (with expensive rigs) smoke the beginners? Are there any 1 design type race classes?

4) Last but not least: Does anyone build home race courses so they don't have to go to the track all the time? Is it easy to put together a simple course at home?

All thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks!

- Chris