If you can go bigger on the track,10th scale would be good...
The evader is a good car, like your LHS said.....duratrax is offerin a rebate too!
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXSGU7**&P=ML
or the traxxas rustler for a few more $$...very durable!!
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXNJH9**&P=ML
or for an 18th scale...to keep it simple,the mini-T
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...oducts_id/8549
whatever you wind up gettin, be sure to get different radio frequencys on all your cars !!!