You mean the World Challenge for Endurance Drivers ? That was 1978, 1979 and 1980.
No, but you are close.
Daytona was dropped from the World Championship for Sportscars from 1976 thru 1978 and the `Trophy' was revived again for the 1985 & 1986 seasons.
This was due to Daytona's IMSA oriented entries.