The 24 hour race at the Daytona Speedway makes for a spectacular season opener. And the 1979 event started the season off in dramatic fashion with spectacular opening laps that mimicked qualifying! The pace was furious and can likely be blamed for numerous blown turbos and engine failures. But it seemed the turbo Porsche drivers had something to prove.
Redman was experienced enough to watch the battle play out in front of him, but spirited enough that he wasn't going to let the leaders get away. Sharing the driving duties with the famous actor Paul Newman and the car's owner Dick Barbour, he kept the red #6 "Budweiser" car in close contention for overall victory for about 14 hours, running in 2nd for some time. Having survived the darkness, sunrise brought with it a fatal gasket failure.
The car was back again at Sebring for the 12 hour race. Dick Barbour hired Porsche-driving wizard, Rolf Stommelen, and a young Rick Mears to share driving duties! The car, repaired after Daytona, didn't deliver a trouble-free race for the trio, but it did cover the distance in fine style. A 4th place finish for the #9 "Budweiser" car was a good result, especially when the Sebring Winner and third place cars were also owned by Dick Barbour!
