Just a thought on the tires, I just saw these added to the IGT Hobbies website. Alpha Racing belted slicks. They are supposedly made for high-speed brushless applications and tested at up to 120mph.
http://www.igthobbies.com/product_p/alp12704.htm
In a related note, Bill at IGT Hobbies posted that he will now be carrying RC-Monster products, which is awesome!