Hi Jeff -
I race at the Hobby Plex regularly. Look me up Weds night - I should be there. My name is Todd Beardmore.
I'm kinda like you... I used to race back in the late 80's - early 90's and got out of it for about 11 years or so and just got back in about 2 years ago.
Alot has changed primarily in technology and stuff like that but the basics are still the same. ie: "don't hit anything" and you won't break... and you go faster.
Probably the cheapest way to get back into it would be to buy a 12th scale for Carpet Racing. The chassis technology is still basically the same - just now there's better batteries & motors.
I have a really nice Yokomo YRX12 "Worlds Edition" 12th scale for sale too if you're interested. Check it out here:
http://www.yokomousa.com/newproducts.../YRX-12WE.html
See ya Wednesday?