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American Le Mans officials can breathe a little easier because the most dominant and recognizable team in the series will return to the grid in '08.

Despite not having any competition through much of the 2007 season, Corvette Racing will run the full 12-race ALMS schedule in 2008.

The news is a surprise as the team previously said it could only justify running one season without serious opponents in the GT1 class.

Aston Martin's DBR9, which last ran in 2006, was the last team to pose a serious threat to the Corvette's dominance in ALMS. However, Corvette did see the Astons this year when it was dethroned by them at the Le Mans 24 Hour.

Corvette is coming back to ALMS to fulfill its commitment to sponsors, suppliers and the many Corvette owners that turn up at races, said Steve Wesoloski, GM Racing Road Racing group manager.

The Corvette's track time will also no doubt be used to hone the cars for the 2008 Le Mans race.

Corvette Racing has won seven consecutive GT1 team championships and six drivers' titles in ALMS.

"Would we like to see more competition in GT1 in the ALMS? Absolutely!" Wesoloski says.

Whether that will happen anytime soon remains to be seen.

The 2008 ALMS season kicks off on in March with the 56th running of the 12 Hours of Sebring in Florida.

John Shiels