I dont think I would use words like Traxxas, HPI, and Track in the same sentence unless you were talking Short Course.
8 scale buggy you cant go wrong with any of the newer kits. You should see what the other people are going to run and also check to see what parts your LHS stocks. It really blows chunks to have your race day end because you broke something and have to wait 3-7 days to get it online