More power, less traction, tighter track, short enough race so batteries are not an issue fixes the competion at the top levels. Newb wouldn't be able to drive them.
A true Ready To RACE (not run) could be a good solution to the newb. It's got to be easy enough for the newb to not get discouraged quickly with set-up problems, turning comms problems, new tires every week, ect....
I'm assuming that the guy who buys a RTR, for the most part, just wants to race. He may with time realize that to get to the top there is more work invovled, but dont' scare 'em off straight away.