Courtney Hansen is a multi-talented American television personality, syndicated columnist, published author, and former fashion model. Born on October 2, 1974, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she was raised in Orono, Minnesota, where her family owned Brainerd International Raceway and spent time around racing tracks. This exposure sparked her passion for automobiles, which has been a central theme in her work.
After graduating from Florida State University with a degree in marketing, Hansen entered the corporate world, but later transitioned to a career in television, hosting shows such as Killer Golf and segments on the Travel Channel. She also worked as a fashion and fitness model, appearing on the covers of Hot Rod Magazine, Muscle & Fitness, and other prominent publications.
Hansen's breakthrough role was as co-host of the hit car makeover series Overhaulin', followed by hosting Spike TV's Powerblock, which consisted of four half-hour automotive shows, for eight seasons. She also hosted a special for Spike TV, Great Builds, and the travel adventure series "Destination Wild" for Fox Sports Net, earning a Telly Award. Additionally, she hosted TLC's automotive-themed shows Rides and Million Dollar Motors.
As a spokes-model, Hansen has represented Matco Tools, Dodge, and Rolls-Royce. Her involvement in Overhaulin' went beyond hosting, as she actively participated in the disassembly and reassembly of cars for the show.
Hansen is a published author, having written a nationally syndicated automotive newspaper column titled "Courtney Hansen: Full Throttle" since 2005. Her book, The Garage Girl's Guide To Everything You Need To Know About Your Car, offers advice to women and first-time car buyers on how to care for their vehicles.
She has also hosted Autoweek's Vinsetta Garage for Discovery Channel's Velocity network, which was named after a century-old Detroit landmark that Autoweek Magazine saved from demolition. In January 2014, Hansen became the host of PowerNation, a TV series that aired on NBC Sports, Spike TV, and CBS Sports. She is currently the spokesperson for Endurance Warranty Services, LLC.
In her personal life, Hansen has been involved with entrepreneur Jay Hartington, with whom she has a daughter, Holland Marysia Walker Hartington, born on July 5, 2014. She previously dated comedian Ben Gleib in 2006/2007. In 2015, Hansen announced her departure from PowerNation to pursue other endeavors.
