Go with the Violator. It is made to be tough. I race mine at the local track with no problems. They know it isn't "race lagal", but no one seems to care. The Force 26 is no punk! Don't think an 8 port will just run away from you on the track. We have a pretty small, technical track, that 1/8 buggies can't really wind out on anyway. It is not slow at all! I can corner better than anyone because of the width. It tends to drift out instead of traction rolling. The 140 cc tank is great too. Yes, you can use a starter box. I do! The Roto-start is crap.
pic 1- The off set kingpin suspension.
pic-2- To understand how wide, standard buggies are as wide as the middle ribs on those tires.
pic-3 Changed the springs
pic-4 Pro-Line sand paddles (woo hoo!!)