Well we don't run rally type cars at Bury club - we mostly run buggys and sometimes trucks, but you are always welcome to come along for a chat. Our indoor venue is actually in Oldham at Waterhead Academy (formerly Counthill School) so do drop by.
The TT01 is a popular model and its easy to source spares and upgrades for it so no issues there. I'm not sure about that specific shell but any 190mm onroad shell will fit. Several people make Imprezza shells
Its quite capable of running brushless but remember you need to get the esc and motor - you can't change one at a time. Lipo should wait until after brushless because they need an esc with low voltage cutoff (ie a Lipo compatible esc) or it will get damaged. Also remember you'll need a lipo charger too, your old one won't work.
Tools wise being a Tamiya a good Phillips screwdriver, a 1.5mm Allen driver and 3.5mm and 5.5mm wrenches should do everything.
For the radio providing you can use a wheel set this
Ansmann W5 is cheap but effective.
As for running the car on a track - If you can get to Stockport on a Thursday night they race onroad cars and TT01's work well there.