Jspeed....the Ipanema tires that you were using, are the all the same front and rear...? Also, what insert were you using..? The one came with the tires..? I bet they are not pre-clue, right..?
I am very confuse right now because this IGT thing reminded me something like...190mm elelctric touring car racing that I do in WINTER only...
Oh BTW...I am not sure this is a new thing or old skill, the local fast guy (he TQ and win most of the MWS) were using Kyosho tires with FULL SIZE buggy insert that need to FORCE in (stuff it in) and he told me that is a secret trick how these tires can last 30 minutes...is that something you have tried and your thought?