FOR Mount Annan girl Nikki Walton, nothing beats the sound and the rush of a roaring engine.
And it's just as well because as a 2009 TW Steel Miss SuperGP finalist, she's in for a week of commitments track-side at the Nikon SuperGP on the Gold Coast later this month.
It's the first time Ms Walton, 22, has entered this competition (formerly Miss Indy), but she's got plenty of experience.
She's been named Miss Freshwater 2008, Miss Snow Bunny 2009, runner-up for the Face of Origin and a Miss Bondi national finalist.
``I'm not nervous yet but I know I will be,'' she said.
``This is a big competition with many experienced models. It's a great opportunity just to have made it to the nationals.''
Asked how she stays comfortable while getting on stage in a swimsuit, Ms Walton laughed and said she had no idea.
``When you're on stage you forget what you're wearing and just focus on having fun and putting on a good show,'' she said. ``And there is always plenty of people to cheer you on in the crowd.''
Ms Walton swapped her job as a flight attendant for a marketing career but said she planned to train as a paramedic next year and continue to model.
She'll be against 39 finalists and be judged in interview, photographic, swimwear and sportswear categories and may be eligible to appear in the 2011 TW Steel Miss SuperGP calendar.
Results will be announced on October 22 at Conrad Jupiters with the winner taking more than $40,000 in cash and prizes and the calendar cover shot.