[Ashlandchris]

There are so many options I know it is hard to narrow it down.
I also came back to rc last summer after a 25+yr lay off so I will give the advice I was given.
Motors and ESC - I was advised to go for a Speed Passion reventon combo. Easy to use, smooth and motor doesn't need to be soldered in - you can simply use the push in plugs (making it easy to switch motors). Others will say the push plugs give a risk of popping off, but I've never had that. Usually for a 2wd a motor somewhere in the 7.5-13.5 turn range will be quick enough. Speed Passion is widely available
You can use hobbyking website as they have some very low cost electrics which are good by all accounts. Website can be bewildering

For the radio it depends on sticks or wheels - I know you said sticks so I can't help too much as I'm a wheels sort of chap. I use Absima radio gear - again it is pretty low cost but other than the basic model, it offers plenty of settings to adjust the driving characteristics of the car. Exponential on throttle is very useful as it can make acceleration smoother and easier to drive on different surfaces.

But you will probably find you will get a breadth of differing advice...