Tropical Meltdown returns to Cairns Speedway on Saturday 16 August, and Terry Blanchard is coming in with one goal – to go three from three in the V8 class with his KE30 Corolla, JOYRIDE.

Blanchard has already taken out the V8 win at the last two Tropical Meltdown events – first in 2023 when it ran as part of Northern Nats, and again in 2024 when it returned to Cairns Speedway as a standalone show.

Now, he’s eyeing off a clean sweep.

“I entered Tropical Meltdown because I’ve won the V8 class twice, in 2023 and 2024, so the chance to go three in a row would be unreal,” says Blanchard.

A regular on the Cairns burnout scene, Blanchard reckons the pad at Cairns Speedway is one of the best going.

“I absolutely love the Cairns Speedway pad. I’m always keen to come back and skid there.”

JOYRIDE is a 1977 KE30 Corolla running a built six-litre LS from KTMR in Townsville, paired with a T400, fully tubbed and caged.

The combo is simple but brutally effective.

“It’s been super reliable and it rips. The setup is perfect for what I want to do,” he says.

Blanchard’s skid style is all about pace, power and never lifting.

“I’m just out there to party. Big tip-ins, loads of smoke and a fast, violent burnout from start to finish.”

He’s calling out anyone sitting on the fence to stop waiting and get involved.

“Stop mucking around and enter. It’s a great comp and an even better pad.” Tropical Meltdown is a one-day burnout event that brings together some of the wildest rides and toughest drivers from across the country.

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

Whether you’re coming to win or just out to party, Tropical Meltdown is the place to send it 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.