thanks for the many helpful suggestions here and via pm guys!
i have many things to check and try in order to get this problem sorted. the one thing i can rule out is any mechanical problems such as broken parts or bent shafts as i have been completely stripping the car down after each embarrassing race attempt to find the problem.
i suppose im also guilty of making more than one change at a time in order to solve this issue and i guess i have lost track of what works and what doesn't, i come from an 8th scale loose dirt background and racing on this high grip carpet has been a very confusing and disheartening affair, ive wanted to just throw it in many times.
first thing i will try will be getting rid of the minipin fronts as hotshot suggested and i will go from there with other suggestions.
we only race every 2 weeks so progress is slow.
cheers