If you’ve ever spent a Saturday night watching Danny "The Count" Koker hunt down classic cars on the streets of Las Vegas, you know the name Ryan Evans. He’s the guy with the bandana, the quiet intensity, and a set of hands that can turn a rusted-out hunk of junk into a masterpiece worth six figures. But lately, people have been scratching their heads. The show isn't on every night like it used to be. Rumors start flying. Fans see fewer Instagram posts and suddenly the internet is convinced he’s gone for good.
So, what happened to Ryan on Counting Cars?
Honestly, the answer is a lot less dramatic than the "clickbait" videos on YouTube want you to believe. He didn't have a massive falling out with Danny. He didn't quit the industry to go live in the woods. In fact, Ryan Evans is still very much the backbone of Count’s Kustoms. If you walked into the shop in Las Vegas today, you’d likely find him exactly where he’s been for over twenty years: in the paint booth, covered in a fine mist of primer and clear coat.
Why Fans Thought He Left
Reality TV is a weird beast. When a show like Counting Cars (a spin-off of Pawn Stars) stops airing new episodes every week, viewers assume the cast has scattered to the wind.
Production on the show has slowed down significantly since its peak years. We haven't seen the same "season after season" grind that we did back in 2012. Because Ryan is a private guy—he’s not out there chasing the spotlight like a typical influencer—his silence was mistaken for a departure. People see an empty TV screen and assume the shop is empty, too.
That’s just not how it works in the real world.
While the History Channel cameras might not be rolling 24/7 anymore, the business at Count’s Kustoms is actually busier than ever. Ryan serves as the Lead Painter and the Paint Shop Manager. That’s a massive job. He’s not just spraying cars; he’s managing the flow of the entire shop, dealing with high-end clients, and making sure the "Count's Kustoms" brand stays elite.
The Evolution of the Shop
Success changes things. Back in the day, the crew was a small group of gearheads just trying to stay afloat. Now, they are global celebrities. Ryan’s role evolved from being the "guy who paints" to a mentor and a creative director.
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He still does the heavy lifting on the "hero" cars—those top-tier builds that Danny obsesses over. But he’s also spent the last few years traveling to massive trade shows like SEMA. He’s become an ambassador for the craft. If you look at his 2025 and 2026 schedule, he’s booked at events like the Syracuse Nationals and various Autorama shows across the country.
He isn't missing. He's just working.
Life Beyond the Cameras
Ryan Evans has always been the "chill" one. While "Horny Mike" is busy putting 3D horns on everything he touches, Ryan is the guy making sure the pinstriping is mathematically perfect.
He’s a family man. He’s married to Dana Pauley, and they’ve built a life that exists completely separate from the Vegas glitz. He’s also notoriously obsessed with his 1969 Chevelle. He once mentioned he was "almost born in one," so the connection to that specific car is deep.
A lot of the "where is he now" talk comes from the fact that he doesn't feel the need to prove his existence on social media every five minutes. He’s old school. He’d rather be in the booth with a spray gun than on his phone with a selfie stick.
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Is Counting Cars Still On?
This is the big question that fuels the rumors about Ryan. As of early 2026, Counting Cars hasn't been officially "canceled" in the way some shows are, but it's in a state of semi-permanent hiatus.
Danny Koker is busy with his band, Count's 77, and his rock bar, Count’s Vamp’d. The shop is now a major tourist destination. When you have thousands of people walking through your lobby every month, you don't necessarily need the stress of a TV production crew breathing down your neck to get customers.
The Real Legacy of Ryan Evans
What most people get wrong about Ryan is thinking he was just a "character" on a show. He’s an actual artist. In 2015, he won the Airbrush Action magazine’s choice for "SEMA’s Best In Show." That’s like winning an Oscar in the car world.
He’s spent years perfecting techniques that most painters can’t touch. From intricate lace patterns to deep, "candy" paint jobs that look like you could dive into them, his work is the reason the shop stayed famous. Danny finds the cars, but Ryan makes them look like jewels.
What’s Next for Ryan?
If you're looking for Ryan, don't look for him on a new reality show. Look for him at the shop. He’s deeply involved in charity work, often donating custom-painted pieces to raise money for various causes.
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He also spends a lot of time teaching. He’s been involved in workshops where he shows the next generation of painters how to mask, spray, and buff. It’s a specialized skill that is slowly dying out, and Ryan seems dedicated to keeping it alive.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Visit the Shop: If you're in Las Vegas, Count's Kustoms is still open for tours. You might not see him in the booth (for safety reasons), but you'll see his work everywhere.
- Check the Show Circuit: Keep an eye on the 2026 Autorama and World of Wheels schedules. Ryan frequently makes appearances to meet fans and sign autographs.
- Follow Official Channels: Don't trust the "death hoax" or "retirement" rumors on random blogs. If Ryan actually leaves Count's Kustoms, it will come from the official shop social media or Danny Koker himself.
Basically, Ryan Evans is doing exactly what he wants to be doing: building cool cars and staying out of the drama.