Buying My First DSLR (for concert & motorsport)

[eXc]

Hi Everyone!


I am after a new camera for concert and motorsport.

I don't have a budget in mind as yet. I was thinking $1000-1500 australian. I have only started looking today. I am guessing you are mostly USA. So here is a rough idea to help you with pricing...Nikon D40 = $1000, D80 = $1600

I would like to get a decent sized lens aswell for use at the track/concerts. They will be the main uses, with the occasional usage for normal things (i.e going on a picnic)

The concerts will be dance related, in a large hall/theatre so it will need to handle low light and movement with a decent lens.

The motorsport will obviously involve speed and various lighting, there may even be night time events.

I have never owned a SLR before. So I have no idea where to begin, I know nothing about photography, I have been a point and shoot person for a while. I like to think I have good ideas for photgraphy, but have no idea how to implement them. I figure getting an SLR will get me started.

I have owned two Canon digitals before. I can't remember the models. One is about a year old, the other is about 5 years and dead. My girlfriend needs a camera, so I am going to give her my current camera, and buy a new one. I figured SLR is the way to go. She can bring hers (mine) along for all the day to day stuff, and I'll keep mine for special things (her concerts/my motorsport)


Any information, from you or links would be appreciated. I would like to keep the lens in mind for a budget.

Cheers
Chris