wheels for scalpel

after a few posts and some test rides I ahve decided to get a scalpel 900 in BBQ. I want to upgrade the wheels from the get go. The bike will be used for xterra races and i cant have extra wheels and such due to space.

I was thinking of going to Mavic Cross Max, any significant advantages of these over crossland? I was thinking of getting the rotational and overall weight savings on a big ticket item and just getting the cheaper bike and i like the headshock.

As for tires I like the look of the hutchinson python, but thats a bad reason to pick them. any other suggestions or validations of the python?

Sorry for the basic questions. Havnt shopped for a MTB since 98.

TIA -paul