can a rustler vxl set up right with a decent driver have a chance running with the big name trucks

I dont see why it would not. Get it set up to handle good. Keep the truck on the track, not on its lid. You should do just fine.

thanks triing to keep it cheap cause i have a 9 year old that wants to race so ihave to buy 2 of everything, been out the sport for 20 years

Welcome back. Check the track rules before you buy anything. You might buy yourself out of the rules. Maybe dont need to buy expensive aftermarket stuff if theres already a class in place for your rigs?

the track i will be running at bfg in gr they run 13.5 im assuming brushless is that comparable to the vxl with a 2s lipo 4ooo

the track i will be running at bfg in gr they run 13.5 im assuming brushless is that comparable to the vxl with a 2s lipo 4ooo
VXL is more powerful than a 13.5.

It might be more power full, but the 13.5 is the only motor you can use.

The 13.5 is a BL set-up, and you can get a cheap esc from novak or lrp that should work just fine.