Adam have you driven a 21.5 open ESC car yet? Its not 70mph...to get a 17.5 car up to 70mph how long would your track have to be to reach that speed? 200ft long? Its about 1 second a lap slower then 17.5 open ESC....which is just about the right amount it should be back. Plus its much easier to drive and handle.

As far as the prices of the ESC's there are some cheaper then the ones you listed that will work in this class too.

If someone is telling you your netbook is weak then thats probably the same tool box that was sleeping outside the Apple store to get the new Ipad or what ever.

Motors....I dont see people doing that in 17.5 now where they have to have all the motors to race. Most people that I race with have 1 or 2 motors. If someone wants to buy all the motors then fine thats what they can do but is it needed to race this class? Nope.