Quebec’s Mercier Racing did something pretty special within their home province last weekend….
One thing that emerged quickly and that continues today within the dynamic racing career of Daniel Mercier (from Saint-Remi) is how proud he is of his roots within the province of Quebec. I can safely say that within the sport of drag racing — he has risen to become somewhat of an Ambassdor for Canada’s French-speaking population, while racing within NHRA.
At Quebec’s tradition rich Napierville Dragway on August 10-11th, (located not far south of Montreal) Daniel and his team brought in their Top Fuel dragster for the weekend — to put on a nice exhibition for a very appreciative crowd. Having any bonafide Top Fuel dragster run down the Napierville track surface is for sure a rare occurrence indeed — but having one based from Quebec is even more noteworthy.
At Napierville, Daniel Mercier’s intent was a very sincere one. On the back of his Top Fuel car’s wing the familiar words “Je Me Souviens” are scribed. That translates to “I Remember” and I cannot think of a more appropriate description of his reason for making this visit.
“I started my racing here (at Napierville) about 15 years ago with my Top Alcohol dragster,” Daniel revealed. “I made my first ever hits and many test runs here year after year. My dream has always been to race in Top Fuel and now that has become a reality. I wanted to give something back to this race track and to the Quebec fans who had been supporting me all this time. Give them the sound and the smell of Nitro — they deserve it and it’s good for our sport.”
In fact Daniel has run his A/FD at Napierville before and he did bring his Top Fuel car here (in 2018) during a special gathering for his very successful company (Laboratoire A.B.S.) — for which he is the Founder and President. Last year his car was on display while hosting a “big day out” for some 600+ attending employees and guests.
“I’m happy to do it again,” he added. “We had about 150 guests attending this year. And for the track, I’m very pleased about the size of the crowd this time — I was told it was the biggest spectator count here in ten years.”
The event marked the first time that Daniel’s aspiring new Top Fuel team has run their car 100% on their own. Up to this point their ventures out have included the watchful eyes from members of Terry McMillen’s Amalie Motor Oil Top Fuel team – from which Daniel purchased his operation – two years ago.
“We did keep in close touch by phone with Rob Wedland,” Daniel confirmed. “But I think (here) I was more nervous than my first time ever at the Nationals ! (he winked).”
Daniel’s full run down the track came on Sunday and he shattered both ends of the 1/8th mile record (3.09 secs @ 274 mph). That and his race team’s very professional pit presentation and avid fan interaction was very well received. His status of becoming a “hometown hero” for not only the Province of Quebec but also for Canada was clearly apparent.
The appearance at Napierville does turn the corner for the 2019 racing season for Mercier Racing with regards to their plans for the remainder of season.
They do remain particularly inspired by the recent performance of their NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series injected nitro car which ran an astounding 285.71 mph (2nd fastest in class history) while racing the previous weekend at the Mopar Canadian Nationals held at Ontario’s Grand Bend Motorplex.
“Running that great speed last week was really rewarding to all our team,” Daniel added, “We will race it again at the Epping NH points race this weekend. Depending on how well we do there — we will decide about which car we will race for the NHRA nationals at Maple Grove (PA) in September.”
Daniel did hint too that the possibility of his team travelling out West to the two season-ending NHRA national events at Las Vegas and Pomona (to run Top Fuel) is presently on their radar.

Congratulations to Daniel and his girlfriend (Andree-Anne Picard) who announced they will have their first child – coming next March!
Post and photos by Bruce Biegler
For more information on Laboratoire A.B.S. click: HERE