Iron Resurrection is a popular reality TV show that features a team of car enthusiasts who restore old and rusty vehicles into stunning masterpieces. The show, which airs on MotorTrend Network, has been running for four seasons since 2016. One of the most beloved cast members of the show was Javier “Shorty” Ponce, a skilled painter and bodywork expert who worked at Martin Bros Customs, the company owned by Joe and Jason Martin.
However, fans of the show were shocked and disappointed when Shorty did not appear in the fourth season, which premiered in February 2020. Many wondered what happened to him and why he left the show. Was he fired? Did he have a falling out with his co-workers? Did he quit the car industry altogether?
Shorty’s Official Statement
To address the rumors and speculations, Shorty himself posted a video on his Facebook page on February 6, 2020, explaining his decision to leave Iron Resurrection. He thanked his fans for their support and love, and assured them that he was doing well and happy.
He revealed that he left the show after the third season because he wanted to focus on his family and his own business in Dallas, Texas. He said that traveling back and forth between Dallas and Austin, where Martin Bros Customs is located, was taking a toll on him and his personal life. He also mentioned that he had recently become a grandfather and wanted to spend more time with his grandson.
He also clarified that he was not fired from the show or had any bad blood with his co-workers. He said that he still considered them as his friends and family, and that he was grateful for the opportunity to work with them. He also hinted that he might return to the show in the future, saying “you might see me back in the future, so for now I’ll leave it at that.”
The Show’s Official Statement
The official Facebook page of Iron Resurrection also posted a statement on February 5, 2020, confirming Shorty’s departure from the show. The statement read:
“Hey everyone! We have been getting a lot of questions about Shorty so we wanted to give you an update. Shorty has decided to take some time off from Iron Resurrection to focus on his family and shop in Dallas. He recently became a Grandpa and wants to enjoy every second of being a new Grandpa. We love Shorty and we are so happy for him and his family. He will always be part of our Iron Resurrection family and we wish him all the best!”
The statement also addressed the absence of other cast members from the fourth season, such as Manny, Cato, and Pompa. It said that they also left the show for personal reasons, but did not elaborate further.
Shorty’s Current Endeavors
According to his website, Shorty is still running his own shop in Dallas called Shorty’s Custom Paint. He offers various services such as custom paint jobs, bodywork, airbrushing, pinstriping, graphics, flames, murals, and more. He also sells merchandise such as t-shirts, hats, stickers, and posters.
He is also active on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, where he posts updates on his projects, family, and hobbies. He seems to be enjoying his life away from the cameras and spending quality time with his loved ones.
Conclusion
Shorty was one of the most popular cast members of Iron Resurrection, thanks to his talent, charisma, and humor. His departure from the show was a big loss for many fans who loved watching him work on cars and crack jokes with his co-workers. However, it is understandable that he chose to prioritize his family and personal happiness over fame and fortune. He left the show on good terms and with no hard feelings towards anyone. He also left the door open for a possible comeback in the future.
Shorty is still passionate about cars and continues to pursue his craft at his own shop in Dallas. He is also a proud grandfather who loves spending time with his grandson. He is happy and content with his life choices, and that is what matters most.
