Paul Tracy can expect a rude reception when the Champ Car series heads to Montreal this Sunday.

The controversial Toronto driver has been heavily criticized by the local media for his comments about French-speaking auto racers refusing to take off their helmets during fights.

Paul Tracy, right, has sparred with both Alex Tagliani and Sebastien Bourdais in recent Champ Car races.
(Associated Press)

Sebastien Bourdais, who was involved in an altercation with the 37-year-old veteran two weeks ago, said Thursday Montreal fans attending the race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve should voice their displeasure with Tracy — within reason.

"We could probably write a book with all the problems that Paul has been involved in, whether it's with me, Alex [Tagliani] or someone else," Bourdais said.

"First, if he wants to fight, he's probably picked the wrong sport and second, I just hope the Quebec people reserve [for] him the welcome he deserves because he's been insulting the French people and the Quebec people and I hope they won't forget that."

Added Tagliani, a native of Lachenaie, Que.: "I totally agree with Sebastien."

CBC hockey commentator Don Cherry found himself in similar trouble after a Coach's Corner segment on Jan. 24, 2004.

When discussing the merits of protective visors as mandatory NHL equipment, Cherry said: "Most of the guys that wear them are Europeans and French guys."

The CBC went on to place Coach's Corner on a seven-second broadcast delay.

Season filled with controversy

Tracy's comment is only the latest storm in a season filled with controversy.

Tracy had clashes in the last two races with both Tagliani and Bourdais, resulting in fines and the loss of championship points. He is also on probation for the next three races.

During a race in San Jose on July 30, Tracy slammed into Tagliani's car.

Television cameras showed an irate Tagliani waiting to confront Tracy in the pit lane. Tagliani, who was still wearing his helmet, grabbed Tracy with both hands and appeared to yell at his fellow Canadian.

Tagliani then walked away briefly before turning around to confront Tracy a second time.

Tracy, who was carrying his helmet, took exception and both men began throwing punches.

In Denver two weeks ago, Tracy, low on fuel, was trying to prevent Bourdais from passing him on the final lap. As Bourdais pulled ahead, Tracy's brakes locked and he slid into the Frenchman, forcing both drivers out of the race.

Shoving match

Bourdais got out of his car and immediately went after Tracy. The two exchanged words before Bourdais shoved Tracy. Tracy charged back and shoved Bourdais.

Tracy said afterwards that neither driver took his helmet off when confronting him.

"French guys always keep their helmets on."

Tracy later said his comment was "just a joke."

"He likes to make jokes, but we were joking about it this morning," Tagliani said on Thursday. "I said he should wear a straight jacket because that's the only thing that could keep him under control.

"And Sebastien said he can't drive with that on, so maybe it's the only thing that could keep him out of trouble."

Tracy, the circuit's most aggressive driver with a history of altercations, said the expected negative reaction from the Montreal crowd won't change his driving style that made him series champion in 2003.

With files from the Canadian Press