Racer Profile: Tynelle Collyer

Capturing Burnout Culture and Celebrating ‘The Little Guys’

Tynelle Collyer’s journey into the world of burnout photography has been nothing short of a battle against the odds, one that combines passion, perseverance, and a deep sense of community. Born in Bundaberg, Queensland, Tynelle moved to Townsville 12 years ago, where her story began to unfold in the world of motorsport, entrepreneurship, and photography.

Tynelle’s venture into burnout photography was sparked by a personal connection and her love for vehicles. “I’ve always loved photographing vehicles,” she says. “It was a natural fit for me because I never had to worry about making sure the poses were right, and I could have conversations with the owners about their builds. It was a comfortable environment.”

However, as she dove into the world of burnout culture, Tynelle quickly found herself facing an uphill battle. When she and her husband started their 4WD accessory business, she was often treated differently by suppliers and other professionals when answering calls or taking quotes. Similarly, when she entered the burnout scene, she encountered resistance and skepticism—mostly from other photographers. “I was told I didn’t belong on the pad, or that I’d never make it in the burnout world,” she recalls. Despite the doubts, Tynelle didn’t let the negativity discourage her. In fact, it only fuelled her determination to succeed.

Her first break came when a friend of hers built a burnout car, and Tynelle stepped in as the sponsor and pit crew, photographing the car at events. “When I went to the Northern Nats in Mareeba in 2024, I was hooked,” she shares. “The atmosphere, the cars—it all clicked. I knew I was in the right place.”

Tynelle’s skills behind the camera continued to improve as she photographed more events, eventually expanding her work to include not just action shots on the pad but also presentations at events. But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. “One of my biggest struggles was learning my camera equipment and adjusting settings quickly—especially when the sun goes down,” Tynelle admits. “You only have about 60 seconds per skid to capture the perfect shot, and that’s a serious learning curve.”

Another challenge Tynelle faced was getting her photos to the vehicle owners. But despite these struggles, she kept pushing forward, and her work started to gain recognition.

Her journey took an exciting turn when she attended Sugar City Powerfest, where she decided to create something uniquely her own—a monthly newsletter called The Little Guys. “It’s dedicated to recognising the smaller drivers in the burnout scene,” she explains. “Starting a newsletter was a bit of trial and error, but the feedback has been incredible. People love the idea of smaller drivers getting the recognition they deserve.”

The newsletter, which started as a social media trial, quickly gained traction. Tynelle credits the success of The Little Guys to the unwavering support of her community. “The people I’ve met have been amazing—so supportive of the idea, and it’s growing more and more,” she says. “But, of course, with growth comes challenges. Some people weren’t happy that I own a burnout magazine, and there have been some nasty comments on social media. But we’re not backing down. We’re pushing forward to get this newsletter into the hands of everyone in the scene.”

Tynelle’s passion for supporting the underdogs and shining a light on the lesser-known drivers in the burnout scene is palpable, and she credits much of her success to the community that surrounds her. “I’ve had a lot of amazing support from my family, my friends, and my team,” she shares. “A huge shoutout to my husband, Shayne, who’s my biggest supporter in both my jobs, and to Sarah and Temeka, who jumped on board to help with the newsletter full time. Also, a special thank you to the crew in Cairns at NQ Burnouts for accepting me into their burnout family.”

She’s also quick to acknowledge her number one fan, her daughter Keira Lee, who has been her constant source of encouragement. “Keira’s always there, supporting me and giving me those encouraging words that keep me going.”

For Tynelle, the journey is not about recognition or accolades—it’s about staying true to her passion, supporting others, and lifting up the community around her. “I want to help get more women involved, more drivers noticed, and show that there’s a place for everyone in the scene,” she says. “As long as I’m doing what I love and encouraging others to do the same, I’ll keep pushing forward.”

Tynelle Collyer’s story is one of resilience, passion, and community. Through The Little Guys newsletter and her photography, she’s creating space for the underdogs of the burnout world, proving that with determination, hard work, and a little bit of grit, you can make your mark—no matter who tells you that you don’t belong.