Thanks for the heads up TG. I don't mind missing 1 race weekend.
There are about 12 guys racing the GPz550 in Canada's VRRA in Period 3 Light, and they say these Avon's Last a very long time. I know about tires and their heat cycles, and the wear, but seriously, before this past weekend even started, the tires looked and fl=elt the same as they always have. I should get a durometer for testing. My plan was to race on these tires and get new ones at the end of the year, but because they were on a backorder, I ran them this past weekend, based on how they looked and felt.
Just arrived to me today is a new rear Avon 130/650-18, and believe me I am not going racing till I get a new front to match. Looks like I will be missing the May 7-8 Weekend anyhow because of time, so I and waiting till June 4-5 to break these tires in. New belly pan, similar to yours, will be made to fit.
Like I said, for next year the 17" wheels will be on, and with all of the tire dalers at the track, I won't miss anything, not even my 18" wheels. With the 17" wheeels will come dual piston calipers, and Galfer Brake Discs for better braking, and a radial master cylinder.
Bottom lie is safety first, and not having any experience with these tires before, I went off what others have suggested, racing a year on them, then getting new ones.
Dang this racing stuff is fun isn't it?