Justin, I was pretty much in the same boat as you. I moved out of Chicagoland to a small town about an hour east of the quad cities. I just quit RC altogether since I didn't know of any RC out this way. But eventually I found the onroad guys at Twinbridges and race with them in the winter. I think you've raced with them last year. I primarily race 1/8th nitro buggy in the spring, summer, and fall but if you got something going in Peoria I'll try to show up. I frequent the offroad track in Peoria when its not under water.
I don't have a VTA. All I have is touring car and 1/12th scale.