As flyer since 1992 (planes and helis) ,last Jan of 04 , I got bit by a simular bug albeit less costly. I got a Savage along with several friends. And then you have to do at least some basic upgrades ,so a $430 truck can close to double really quick in cost. And it was great when you had your crew of fellow racers blasting around some sort of course . But it got real boring by yourself and the other folks lost interest pretty quick and with in approx 2 mo , mine was sold so I could work up some cash for a 50cc gaser extra 300.
I guess for me it was a waste of time and with the kind of money you're talking about as someone else already mentioned you could do a really nice gas aero bat. And big planes are awsome in that they can really bring out your aerobatic potential and truely challenge your mind. Where as the land based rc's pretty much have right/left stop/go . It would probably be alright with a bunch of regular race guys but then your flight time may suffer and that would be criminal.