I'd suggest sticking to 2wd if your club racing, as Col said, it'll have slower heats to race in...as most newbies start there (certainly at our club anyway!), but it's the best place to learn how to drive a car! Teaches you loads about car control, and the maintenance/cost of running side is easier/cheaper.
The 4wd's, although maybe easier to drive in one sense, are also a bit of handful to race as they are quicker! Once you've mastered the 2wd, 4wd will be much easier to cope with.
Another thought, ask at the club your planning to use which class has the most newbies in it, and maybe use that help you choose?
Trouble you'll be having now is the amount of options for everything! To be honest, as long as you stick to some of the main brands, it's all decent enough stuff. Once your in and racing you'll get a better feel for what's what and can start to make some more informed choices from your own experience.
Lipo's, someone has mentioned it, but I thought I'd just remind you...don't worry about the BRCA list too much, that is just for the big national/regional events. Most (if not all) clubs don't run to that rule, so any reasonable lipo will do.
