VTA is a fairly inexpensive(?) in the whole realm of things.
It is one way to jump head first into onroad.
The downfall is it is "expensive" for a newcomer.
Power limits & weight limits need to be some what enforced if racing is going to be tight.
Baraboo has a 21.5 limit or Mabuchi silver can $10, but the fastest guy is on a 25.5.
We also heavily enforce the 1550g minimum.
The real key is setup, the cars get real unfriendly real fast with out proper guidance.
The guys with th TC3/4 can be as fast as the Xrays & the Corallys.

The Mini option is awesome (last years favorite), but found guys like tweaking on cars as much as driving, & there is little adjustably on most models.
The nice part is the minis are cheep to run...
Silver can 540 $10, stock tires, included ESC, etc.
The down fall of the M03 & M05 chassis is battery fitment, they do not take square shaped LiPo's, $30 for a pack isn't horrible, but most people wont just get another battery for a specific chassis.
M06 is nice, but only in the US as the "Pro" kit.

Seinor club members need to take a helping hand in newcomers.
If a car looks wong on the track my self or Zach will pull it off & tweak it until it is driveable.
Having proper setup tools like a balance board or scales helps too.
We have spent many Friday Nights in Baraboo working on other peoples setups.

Diluting the race scene with another class sounds like a bad idea, & VTA/GT2 is that entry class that keeps things kind of simple.
Tires, Motors & Weight.
Beyond that is all setup.

SCT onroad always works too