Champ Car returns with race to Laguna Seca after three years in San Jose

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Champ Car World Series will return to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in 2008, leaving the streets of San Jose after a three-year run on that temporary circuit.

The San Jose race has been run in August, but Monday's announcement didn't reveal the date for Champ Car's return to the Monterey natural terrain road course where it ran every year from 1983 through 2003.

Organizers of the Grand Prix of San Jose recently told Champ Car that ongoing residential developments in and around the 1.5 mile downtown track would hamper next year's race.

"We're pleased that Champ Car will be able to maintain a strong event in northern California," said Steve Johnson, president and CEO of Champ Car. "While it's always tough to leave one city for another, in this case, it makes sense strategically for us and works for San Jose, given the ongoing development of their downtown."

Champ Car returned to the 2.238-mile circuit earlier this year for its preseason testing.

The full 2008 Champ Car calendar will be announced in the fall.