danDanEFC's right, visit where you intend to race, see what others are using, some clubs may have rules regarding this and that, you know if your car and equipment are common then there is more chance of advice and spare parts to scrounge if you break. Lipo's and brushless have made meetings easier and cheaper in the long run, 2.4g transmitters/receivers the same. I think modern cars may be stronger, carbon fiber etc, certainly more bling.
Seem to be a few 20/25 year returners threads just lately, all welcome, how's those thumbs & eyeballs

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You have questions, oOple's the place