At the novice level I dont think it matters, and For all of us who spend tons of cash or race nationaly any of the maxx enspired trucks can be tweaked to race competively. The pro line maxx challenge pro class was won by OFNA driver Paul Coleman with a modified OFNA dominator. and Wrongway, Im sorry your post turned into this debate, not much help with the whole XTM issue, If you want to race dont buy the XTM, If you want to bash around, get whatever you want. Just realize that as with any nitro vehicle, make sure you enjoy working and wrenching on it as much as you do driving it.... Stan www.1stplacerace.com