Another observation re: data.
If you look at the first 17 bits of the inner track top color (l->r) against the first 17 bits of the outer track top color in same direction, they are identical. I know you'd expect repeats even in random data but 17 bits in a row starting right on the boundary? Odds are 1 in 131072 that'd happen?
inside colors
"000101010010110110", // outside track top, left to right
outside colors
"0001010100101101110010110000", // inside track top, left to right
amazing observation! And the more amazing is the fact that it is so simple and everybody has been staring at those flames for more than 3 years!