The Treasure name is synonymous with drag racing in Western Australia and the latest generation of the family is ensuring they will continue to be well known.
22 year old Sam Treasure is already a former Modified state champion and has now progressed into the ranks of Top Comp with the ‘Hemi Express’, a ballistic AA/Altered producing some 2500 horsepower and clocking speeds up to 350kmh in just over six seconds.
With his blonde, surfer style hair and relaxed attitude, race fans might be forgiven for thinking Sam Treasure doesn’t have a competitive streak – but it couldn’t be further from the truth as he and father Darryl (who raced himself in a car known as the Cleveland Express) commit their fullest to achieving their goals of victory. Add in uncle Ray who has played multiple roles in drag racing administration across the country and its a knowledge base few can match.
“I love the blown car, it has been much more of a challenge than the Modified car and there is a lot more adrenaline and excitement involved,” Sam said.
The team has been busy during the off season, adding a new pedal clutch which will allow him to leave off high RPMs and launch harder.
“It’s hard to say how quick the car should go now but we would love to start off where we finished last season, around a 6.3,” Sam said of his expectations for the Drag Racing Grand Opening this weekend at Perth Motorplex.
“We’re coming in with no goals in mind but by the end of this season we would love to run into the five second zone.”
A panel beater during the week, Treasure was responsible for prepping his altered’s bodywork for its stunning yellow paint scheme but he handed it over to Vulcan Panel and Paint boss Sam Rhodes to produce what is one of the best looking cars at the Motorplex.
So why should you choose Sam Treasure as your favourite in Top Comp? He sums it up simply:
“Because it’s the Hemi Express and that’s exciting!”
The drag racing season officially commences at Perth Motorplex this Saturday night with the Grand Opening. Qualifying begins from 10am with the feature program including a Top Comp triple header from 6pm.
– Perth Motorplex press release, image by High Octane Photos.
