Courtney Hansen

Courtney Hansen is an American television host/personality, syndicated columnist, published author, and former fashion model.

Courtney Hansen was born on October 2, 1974 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Gerald John "Jerry" and Constance (Walker) Hansen. Her father is a winner of 27 SCCA national racing championships. From 1973-2006 her family owned Brainerd International Raceway and she grew up in Orono, Minnesota, and spent lots of time around the pits and garages at racing tracks. As a result, she is an automobile enthusiast, and much of her work to date has revolved around automobiles.

After graduating with a degree in marketing from Florida State University, she undertook a corporate job in marketing. After leaving the corporate world, Hansen hosted the Jack Nicklaus pilot Killer Golf and segments on the Travel Channel, worked as a fashion and fitness model, and was on the cover of Hot Rod Magazine, Muscle & Fitness and other major magazines.

Hansen's first major TV role was co-host of the hit car makeover series Overhaulin'. She went on to host Spike TV's Powerblock, which was composed of four half-hour automotive shows, for eight seasons. She hosted a special for Spike TV called Great Builds., was host of the travel adventure series "Destination Wild" for Fox Sports Net, which won a Telly Award. In the past she hosted for TLC's automotive-themed shows Rides, and Million Dollar Motors. Hansen has been a spokes-model for Matco Tools,[citation needed] Dodge, and Rolls-Royce. Her participation in Overhaulin' was far from superficial; she helped with the disassembling and assembly of cars for the show.

Additionally, Hansen wrote a column for FHM, and has written a nationally syndicated automotive newspaper column titled "Courtney Hansen: Full Throttle" since 2005. She is the published author of The Garage Girl's Guide To Everything You Need To Know About Your Car, a book offering women and first time car buyers advice on how to care for their cars.