Jason83 and mike75rccars... a quick hint...
Become friends with the Owner of your LHS.. it helps Big time..
All I did was Show him a Vid of my RC Drifting and BAAM... Not only did he get into it but he allowed me to make my own drift Squad...and he gave us sponsorship..
Now we have moved from the Drift to Stock Class Racing.. which he now also does... so it brings the cost of the Hobby down...