In todays day and age it's not necessary to buy parts from your LHS if they're not up to speed on things. I live in Aberdeen, SD and our LHS only carries Traxxas and Duratrax rtr stuff. The only thing I buy there is lexan paint and fuel line. Every time I'd inquier about ordering something in, the price would be way too high after their mark up. Between Amainhobbies.com, Absoluthobbyz.com, Stormerhobbies.com, gshobbies.com, towerhobbies.com, ebay etc..., you should be able to get anything you want or need.
I drive a minimum of 150 to 230 miles one way twice a month from May to September to race every summer. You can race competitively with little to no LHS support if you're serious about it.
