Have you took a look at Cape Fear Raceway's forum and the LHS??
I don't live but 15 miles from track and about 10 miles from the hobby shop.
TOY TOWN HOBBY SHOP is a good place to start if you are look for someone that knows which is a good RC buggy for your money, stop by or give auto a call. He as seen and worked on most all of them. Thay also are dealer for several different brands and carry parts for a lot other brands to also thay service and repair them too. and when there's a race at the track and you need a part you can call and if thay got it thay will bring it to the track