Jeremy, After racing touring cars for nearly 6 months on a single 13.5 motor and having the same 6.5 motor in my mod truck for 2 years now, I would take a brushless system over a Spektrum radio everytime.
HPI is putting Castle Sidewinder 5700 esc/motors in with its RTR Firestorms for a little over $300.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXUHD1**&P=ML
The new Castle Sidewinder 5700 motor/esc combo is getting great reviews and is only $135!
Just add the stadium truck (Team T4 $185) and $100 FM radio of your choice and have something truly race worthy for $420.