Passion, Punishment, Performance: The FOX Testing Team in Action

Testing is the lynchpin of research and development, where theory meets application. Everything can look great on paper and in controlled environments, but testing is where the rubber meets the road. This is where ideas are validated or sent back to the drawing board.???

?

Innovation and testing go hand in hand. A fully dedicated test team for FOX was formed over seven years ago as the company and its product offerings grew. Testing was no longer the responsibility of one person. The team based in El Cajon, California, is one of many test teams that bring a wide range of experience and talent. The El Cajon test team brings a little method to the madness: Clémence Wiart, Max Drew, Isaac Miller, Kyle Davis, Neil Reilly-Shapiro, Jesse Vega, Dean Hollenbeck, and Ben Lowry. In conjunction with the engineering technicians who build the prototype parts, vehicle maintenance, and assist with testing with part analysis.??

?

A recent result of their work is the model year 24 Ford trucks with FOX Dual Live Valve shock options. Much of the design was tested prior to production, and tests evolved to meet customer requests. The test team was involved throughout the process, up until full production.?

?

“Testing never ends. Whether it is a new design or adjusting a tried-and-true product, each product requires due diligence,” said Clémence, manager of engineering test. “Now that the test team has grown, more teams have asked for our expertise and want to use our full potential. In our short time, we’ve provided valuable data that saves us effort and time later in the production process.”?

For aftermarket products, the team is ramping up this year to support the number of products slated to be released. Aftermarket products typically start with a fully designed and tested product that is adjusted for specific vehicles and use cases. This foundation of proven designs allows the team to move through the full development process at speed. The test team still plays a critical role in the final product.??

?

“I’m really proud of my team and how super passionate they are about what they do,” Clémence said. “For example, Max has been a part of the testing of the new Fox Factory truck built upon the Chevy Silverado chassis. He established an entire course in the Ocotillo desert to validate the performance of the vehicle. Additionally, the team spent half of their weekends to help the project during the testing process and long nights to meet a photo shoot deadline.”?

?

Clémence went on to describe a similar collaborative spirit between the other testing teams in the company. Chris Rohde, Patrick Burke, and Clémence regularly sync team structures, procedures, and processes. This allows the teams to jump into each other’s projects to conduct testing, expanding the collective capability of all labs.??

?

The dedication of the test team ensures that every product, from original equipment to aftermarket, meets the highest performance standards. The long hours, the bloody knuckles from turning wrenches, and the body aches from driving endless loops in the desert are a badge of pride for the team, knowing that their work directly impacts the customer experience and adds to the long legacy of redefining performance.?