Tropical Meltdown returns to Cairns Speedway on Saturday 16 August, bringing the noise, the smoke and a $25,000 prize pool. This year, Sydneysider Nathaniel Tabone is making sure he’s in the thick of it.

After entering the past two years without the car ready in time, 2025 marks the official debut of Tabone’s blown burnout machine YEH M8 in Cairns, and he’s coming in with one goal – send it hard.

“I’m coming to show my support for my mates who run and enter Tropical Meltdown,” says Tabone.

“There’s nothing better than being up there with great company, backing each other in and making unreal memories.”

YEH M8 started life as a naturally aspirated Gemini and was only ever meant to be a simple build to keep him busy while working on a drag car. That plan changed quickly.

The car was transformed with tubbed rears, a tube front end, strengthened chassis, fresh two-tone paint laid down two days before Summernats 2022, a big set of rims and a 6/71 supercharger on top of a cast LQ9.

The result is a mental smoke and flame machine that has rapidly become a crowd favourite.

“YEH M8 doesn’t hold back,” says Tabone.

“It’ll bring big smoke, big flames and give the crowd what they want.”

This year marks Nathaniel’s first time taking on the Cairns burnout pad and he’s making it count.

“I’m ready to send it. Big revs, rims, rods and flames. The lot,” says Tabone.

He’s encouraging other would-be entrants to stop waiting and start doing.

“If you’ve been saying you want to get amongst it, stop talking and make it happen,” he says.

“Life’s not built on hopes and dreams. It’s built on action.”

Tropical Meltdown is a one-day burnout event that brings together some of the wildest rides and toughest drivers in the country.

Held at Cairns Speedway on Saturday 16 August 2025, the event features multiple competition classes and a total prize pool of over $25,000.

From first-timers to seasoned legends, Tropical Meltdown is open to all entrants ready to tear up the pad in front of a packed North Queensland crowd.

Entries are open now. For more info or to lock in your spot, head to www.tropicalmeltdown.com.au.