Rcbrah,

Hobbyking has a Sportsman ESC that is ROAR approved for $28, the matching programmer is $15, their 17.5 motors are about $40. Pick up a faster servo, some Blockades for the back and ribs for the front with closed cell foam of a medium stiffness. Finally, start with the factory setup, assemble your car with precision and care and you will have a competitive runner.

You also might consider a Novak Edge ESC and a Ballistic motor - good stuff.