It was the 24-year-old's second time at the street machine festival but her first entry into the beauty contest. She won the crowd's approval with her shapely figure and practical skills having completed a certificate I in Automotive Mechanical Technology.

During her 12-month stint as an official Summernats ambassador she hopes to raise the festival's profile.

''I want to put in my two cents worth and represent Canberra and the show,'' Ms Burns said.

Ms Burns won $15,000 worth of prizes including a feature in Street Machine magazine and ZOO Weekly magazine. But it won't be all hard work with the Sydney woman in the market for a new car as well as a new man. ''I plan to spend the money on a new car in keeping with the Summernats tradition,'' Ms Burns said.

Last year's winner Canberra woman Sabrina Damiano was also single when she won the crown but cupid's arrow struck in the past 12 months. As she handed over the sash she wished her replacement good luck on the romance front.

''I've found a guy - now I'm just waiting for the ring,'' Ms Damiano said.

Event organiser Elissa Michel said Ms Burns was the clear favourite with the judges and the 300-strong crowd.

''It was a convincing win, the other girls were all pretty close but she was the clear favourite,'' Ms Michel said.

There were 22 entries into the competition this year and the crowd was well behaved.

Ms Michel said bribing the crowd with freebies from sponsor The Federal Tyre helped.

''They behaved really well this year and a lot of people watched from the grandstand as they were seeking out shade this year.''