Almost as quickly as they came to blows in the pit lane after a crash at the San Jose Grand Prix last Sunday, Canadian Champ Car drivers Alex Tagliani and Paul Tracy have smoothed things over. Tagliani said yesterday that all he had wanted from his fellow Canadian when he confronted him on Sunday was an apology and a bit of respect for his Team Australia’s hard work.

But last night, everything was patched up between the two when Tracy apologized.

“It was really good to talk,” Tagliani said. “Both of us were frustrated and we feel bad about what happened in the pits. “Two guys having problems on the racetrack is one thing, but we’re smart people. We can let it go and keep going.”

Tracy, of Toronto, who drives for Forsythe Championship Racing, caused the crash, which possibly robbed Tagliani of a top-three finish in a season that’s been difficult for the native of Lachenaie, Que. While the incident at the California track continued a history of clashes between the two, Tagliani insisted the friendship they’ve built over the past year ensured that they would work out their differences.

“I consider him a friend, and no matter what happens on the racetrack, you should be able to talk to each other,” Tagliani said. “What he was five days ago for me, he should be tomorrow. If you can’t do that, it means you don’t value the friendship that much.”

The fallout from the fight isn’t over yet, though. Champ Car officials will decide tomorrow on possible punishment.

Globe & Mail

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