You’ve seen the flames. You’ve seen the deep, candy-coated finishes that look like you could reach right into the metal. If you followed Counting Cars on the History Channel, you know exactly who Ryan Evans is. He was the quiet guy with the airbrush who somehow managed to keep his cool while "Horny Mike" was busy being, well, Mike. But since the show stopped airing new episodes back in 2021, a lot of people have been asking: does Ryan still work for Count’s Kustoms or did he finally pack up his masking tape and head for the hills?
It’s a fair question. Reality TV has a way of making people disappear the second the cameras stop rolling. We’ve seen cast members from these types of shows start their own shops, get into legal trouble, or just vanish into a regular 9-to-5.
The short answer? Yeah, he’s still there. Honestly, Ryan Evans is as much a part of the brick and mortar at Count’s Kustoms as Danny Koker himself.
Why People Thought Ryan Left
Rumors are a funny thing in the car world. Because Ryan started appearing less frequently in the final seasons of Counting Cars, the internet did what it does best—it panicked. Fans started theorizing that there was "beef" between him and Danny. Others thought he had been headhunted by a bigger shop or was secretly starting "Evans Kustoms" in a garage somewhere.
The reality is way less dramatic. Television production is exhausting. When you’re trying to run a real-world business while a film crew is shoving a boom mic in your face for twelve hours a day, things get squeezed. Ryan was still painting; he just wasn't always the focus of the "A-plot" in every episode.
Also, let’s be real: Danny Koker is a massive personality. The show was built around the Count. Ryan, being the chill, soft-spoken guy he is, often stepped back to let the work speak for itself. He actually appeared in the Season 10 finale, which featured the restoration of Danny's father's 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC AMG. That was a high-stakes, deeply personal project for the shop. You don't hand the keys (or the spray gun) for a project like that to someone who is on their way out the door.
What Ryan Evans is Doing in 2026
If you walk into the shop in Las Vegas today, you’ll likely find Ryan right where he’s always been: in the paint booth. He isn't just an employee at this point; he’s the Lead Painter and basically the creative director for everything that involves a spray gun.
He’s also been keeping busy with a few things that don't involve a TV crew:
- SEMA and Industry Events: Ryan is a staple at the SEMA show in Vegas. In recent years, he’s been spotted representing brands like ANEST IWATA (the spray gun masters) and FBS Tapes. He’s transitioned from being a "TV guy" to a legitimate elder statesman of the custom paint world.
- Teaching the Craft: This is actually pretty cool. Ryan has been doing "Resto Fest" classes. He recently had one scheduled for April 2026 where he teaches a tiny group of students—only about 10 people—the secrets behind his pinstriping and graphics. It’s a $2,000 class, which tells you exactly how much people value his specific skill set.
- The Social Media Grind: He’s surprisingly active on Facebook and Instagram. If you want to see what he’s actually working on today, that’s the place. He does live Q&As and shows off builds that never made it to cable TV.
The Count’s Kustoms Crew Today
Count’s Kustoms didn't just fold when the History Channel moved on. In 2026, the shop is a massive destination in Las Vegas. They still do the "Count’s Kustoms Experience" tours where fans can walk through the showroom.
The core group is still surprisingly tight. Kevin Mack is still running the business side of things. Shannon Aikau is still the bike lead. And yes, Horny Mike is still there, likely putting 3D horns on things that definitely don't need them. Ryan’s role has evolved into being the guy who ensures the "Count’s" brand stays premium.
It’s worth noting that while the show is effectively over, the shop is busier than ever. They’ve moved away from the "scripted drama" of reality TV and back toward high-end, six-figure custom builds for private collectors. Ryan’s fingerprints (metaphorically, hopefully not literally in the clear coat) are on all of them.
Is He Ever Coming Back to TV?
There’s always talk about a reboot or a spin-off. Fans have been begging for a "Ryan and Mike" show for years because their "odd couple" dynamic was easily the best part of the original series. As of right now, there’s no official word on Counting Cars returning to its original format.
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However, Ryan has appeared on various automotive podcasts and YouTube series lately. He seems much more comfortable in those long-form, authentic settings than in the highly edited world of basic cable. He’s also been focusing on his family—his wife Dana and their kids. After years of being a household name, he seems perfectly happy being a world-class painter who happens to be famous, rather than a celebrity who happens to paint.
How to Get Your Car Painted by Ryan
If you're thinking about getting Ryan Evans to work on your ride, bring your checkbook. The shop is legendary, and their waitlist is legendary-er.
- Contact the Shop Directly: Don't DM Ryan on Instagram for a quote. You have to go through the official Count's Kustoms website or visit the shop in Vegas.
- Budget for Perfection: We aren't talking about a $500 Maaco job here. A full custom Ryan Evans paint job, with the graphics and the layering he’s known for, can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars just for the labor and materials.
- Check Out His Workshops: If you can’t afford the shop price, keep an eye on his "Resto Fest" schedule. Learning the techniques from the man himself is probably the best way to get that "Count’s" look on your own project.
The bottom line is that Ryan Evans didn't quit, he didn't get fired, and he hasn't lost his touch. He’s just doing what he’s always done: staying behind the mask and letting the paint do the talking.
If you’re planning a trip to Vegas and want to see the operation for yourself, the showroom on Highland Drive is still open to the public. You might not see Ryan—he’s usually buried in the booth—but you’ll definitely see his work. And honestly, that’s exactly how he seems to like it.
Actionable Insight: If you're a fan of Ryan's work, follow his official Facebook page rather than looking for show reruns. He posts real-time updates of current projects there, which gives a much better look at his artistry than the 10-year-old episodes currently airing on repeat.