Well, as with any rewarding hobby there is a cost involved with getting started. If you already have R/C experience you may have a jump start but let's take a look at what you will need.
Electronic Gear-
I would recommend a PCM radio with a wheel as opposed to the stick radios you may have seen. These radios start around $350.00 but you can pick up a good used one for around $150.00 to $180.00 including reciever. You will also need a couple of rechargeable battery packs ($15.00 to $25.00) and a charger ($35.00 to $50.00) It would also be a good idea to have one or two extra sets of radios crystals. You will also need 3 servos which are used for steering and throttle. They can run from $70.00 to $120.00 per unit.
Car-
There are a number of manufactuers of these cars that sell for anywhere from $1,200.00 to $1,800.00 brand new without the electronics. a good used car usually can be found $800.00 to $1,000.00 but if you are luckey you may find the car and some or all of the above for that price. If you are buying used equipment make sure the chassis is straight and free of cracks in any of the rails. Test the electronics to be sure they are in good working condition. You may find cars and equipment for sale on the website, the QSAC website or on places like Ebay or Hobby Talk.
Tools-
Basic hand tools, a good set of metric allan wrenches a cordless drill and a good sturdy portable work table are a good start. A 3 to 6 ft measuring tape, cloth measuring tape and a straight edge will be needed for proper setup of the car. A 1 to 5 gallon fuel container and a refuleing bottle will also be necessary.
Fuel-
I would recommend VP-16 racing fuel for it's excellent cooling capacity and preventention of vapor-lock along with a good grade synthetic 2 cycle oil. You can get the fuel in 5 gallon conatiners and although it is $10.00 per gallon you will probably not come close to using it up all year.
Tires-
In any form of auto racing tires can be a big expense but I am happy to report that with the help of QSAC tire costs are fairly low especially for the beginner. There are spec right front tires that last a long time and if anything have a few extra tires should do you for your first year.
Extra parts-
Probably the most replaced parts on these cars are small tie rod ends or heim joints, they are about $3.00 to $5.00 a piece and you should carry about four of the three different type you will need.
Well you will need to learn how to do a few things to maintain the car and get the car set up to go to the track so let me give you a little idea of what is involved there.
First,
if the person you bought your used car from is not your brother and said something like "it is all set, you don't need to do a thing to it" I would start by tearing the car down completley, except for the engine, making notes as to what goes where. If nothing else it will help you know how to work on it at the track.
Second,
Visually inspect all the parts and replace any parts that appear bent or worn, also check the wheel bearings to make sure they roll freely. Re-assemble the car making sure to use Blue Locktite (242?) on everything but the wheel nuts.
Once you have that done, and have set the car up, I am sure you will be itching to get the car outside and run it around. STOP! Listen closley, these things are NOT toys and could very seriously hurt someone even in a controled environment like a track built for racing quarterscale cars.
I know it will be a difficult thing to do but wait until you are at the track to operate the car other than on a bench, it is just not worth taking a chance on seriously hurting yourself or someone else.
Different cars may require different adjustments, but basically the cars are setup just like the full size stock cars.
Springs,
In general you will need to have stiffer springs on the right rear and left front of the car and lighter on the left rear and right front.
Stagger,
About 1" of stagger (left rear tire circumference less that of the right rear)
Camber,
Have the right side tires angled leaning in to the car at the top with the left sides leaning away at the top. These adjustments will be the ones that will have the most influence on the handling of the car. A gage will help you maintain the proper degree at each wheel.
Toe,
The front wheels should have about 1/16" toe out and a very slight toe in on the right rear will help keep the car stable.
