Summernats does provide a financial boost to the ACT during the usually quiet January period.

Former owner Chic Henry argued Summernats patrons spent between $12 million and $15 million, with the net benefit to the economy being $3 million, although ACT Treasury maintained the figure was closer to $2.4 million.

Summernats shows Australia a different aspect of Canberra life, an aspect that is not about public servants and politicians.

It is a showcase of genuinely talented people who create mechanical masterpieces. The hoons grab the headlines but many, many families also enjoy the event.

No, it's not everyone's cup of tea.

Yes, the new owners need to keep a lid on any bad behaviour and alcohol-fuelled violence, which is a risk for any event of that scale.

This year's event proved organisers, led by Chic Henry, did keep things under control.

ACT Policing praised the behaviour of Summernats 22 patrons after ''very few incidents'' in the Exhibition Park area were reported.

Seven arrests were made in the vicinity of the festival this year, three for people being intoxicated and the remaining four for breach of peace, breach of bail conditions, possessing a prohibited substance and driving a motor vehicle recklessly while having a blood alcohol content.

Considering 80,000 people attended the event over four days, that is a good result.

Summernats appears to have an exciting future under the new owners, led by experienced promoter and events manager Andy Lopez, who has had a hand in everything from the Papal Mass at Randwick racecourse last year to the Celebrate in the Park and Australia Day Live concerts.

Lopez has promised not to diminish the focus on the cars but to add more entertainment including a rock and roll concert on the Friday night and more family-oriented activities on the Sunday.

The late-night strip shows might go; Miss Summernats will stay. Some people will be happy about that, others not.