Cristy Lee

Cristy Lee is an American television host, motorsports reporter, mechanic, and media personality best known for hosting automotive and home restoration television shows. She gained national prominence through her work on MotorTrend's All Girls Garage, Garage Squad, and HGTV's Steal This House, as well as her extensive live coverage of major motorsports events across major broadcasting networks.

Early Life and Automotive Roots

Born and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida, Cristy Lee was introduced to motor vehicles at an early age by her father, an auto mechanic and local shop owner. Growing up around classic car restorations and motorcycles, she developed a passion for mechanical work and hands-on building. She bought her first motorcycle at age 18 and spent her youth learning garage techniques. After completing her college education in Central Florida, Lee moved to Detroit, Michigan, where she initially worked as a radio DJ and as an in-arena hostess for the Detroit Red Wings while building connections in media and sports broadcasting.

Broadcast and Television Career

Lee transitioned into professional motorsports reporting, serving as a pit reporter, color analyst, and event host for networks such as FOX Sports, NBC Sports Network, ESPN, and CBS Sports. Her coverage spanned diverse racing disciplines, including X Games, MotoGP, World Superbike, MotoAmerica, and American Flat Track. In 2012, she broke into mainstream automotive television as a co-host on MotorTrend's All Girls Garage, highlighting female technicians performing complex repairs and custom modifications. She subsequently co-hosted MotorTrend's Garage Squad and provided live coverage for the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions. Expanding into lifestyle broadcasting, she co-hosted Discovery+'s Celebrity IOU: Joyride alongside Ant Anstead and hosted HGTV's Detroit-based home renovation series Steal This House.

Personal Life and Automotive Culture

Outside her television projects, Lee is an experienced motorcyclist with over fifteen years of riding experience and remains deeply involved in hands-on vehicle modifications and track-day car builds. She frequently shares her custom projects and DIY restoration advice with fans across social media platforms. In November 2023, Lee married her longtime partner, John Hawkins. She continues to advocate for female representation in the automotive, trades, and powersports industries.