good race! I can't zoom in too much on the pic but it looks just like what I have, the EF 50 shifters. They work for now but will have to go when I upgrade the gears.
The Panaracer Fire XC Pro is a best of product on MTBR.com, they also make a mud specific tire - maybe for the rear.
http://mtbr.com/reviews/Tire/product_23300.shtml
http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Tire/product_23299.shtml