Hmm...there is no need to spend $2000 to start racing with something that will finish a race...
Kyosho SP2 - $620
Airtronics MX3 (no need for extra receiver) - $100
2xFutaba s9350 servos - $200
Novarossi 3 port Engine - $180
Jammin JP2 pipe - $65
1200 receiver pack (only need one) - $20
peak charger - $35
2 cans of paint - $12
starter box with 2 stick packs - $80
1 set Pro-line Crimefighters (come with molded foam now) - $38
wheels come in kit.
misc tools and glue - $30
glo starter - $20
$1400 and you could save another $120 with the Jammin or stock Mugen kit. Actually the stock Mugen kit comes with Crimefighter tires and the Jammin Pro tires are okay for most tracks. You could probably pick up a good used FM computer radio for $50-75 instead of a new one at $100. You could also use the very raceable (and easy to tune) OS RG engine for $110 in place of the Nova.
A RTR Mayhem costs about $550 and has an FM radio too...