@Lonestar You're lower geared than I'd be on that track. 180f isn't "dreaded" at all actually. I don't worry until I'm over 200f after a rull run. even then if it's 202 it's not a big deal.
Sandy tracks like the one in that pic has lots of wheel spin and being geared too low will make more heat than being over geared by a tooth. Gear up to a 16T and try it.