I highly recommend you get a Thunder Tiger Pro .40 unless you live in the NCPL region. By getting the "official" AMA 424 engine, you can race if you ever want to. And you will get 110-115 mph out of your Predator which is faster than you may think.

AMA 424 Racing requires an APC 9x6 Sport prop, but you can put a 9x7 on it for sport flying and a little more speed on straight runs.

BTW, there is a race in Muncie Indiana on 9/9 and 9/10. You should think about getting your feet wet with 2-3 other planes at a time and a severe adrenaline rush.