if you're going to buy a track, get afx. as far as cars go afx, and tyco are good. not sure what your budget is but the afx super international set is the best bang for the buck. it's a great starter track, 4 lanes, fairly big, also comes with everything you need to get going, and 4 cars.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LX0623&P=SM