FOX Live Valve has achieved its first premier Unlimited class desert racing victory, further validating technology inspired by the popular Ford Raptor. The RAD program represents 45 years of FOX philosophy: cutting-edge concepts developed and torture tested in extreme environments by demanding athletes.
For months, FOX Factory Motorsports engineers, tuners and racers have been developing the patent-pending Racing Applications Development (RAD) Live Valve semi-active electronic suspension for premier class desert racing, and that effort has paid off with its first victory. Justin Lofton was behind the wheel at the Best In The Desert BlueWater Desert Challenge in Parker, Arizona, Oct. 24-25.
“This project has been in the making for 18 months, and the first system was installed on a truck a year ago,” FOX Motorsports engineering manager Bobby Smith explained. “A lot of work has gone into this project and this win validates all of our efforts. The team is dedicated to progressing the sport and this is our first swing at doing that. This win also solidifies the newly formed FOX Motorsports program and is a glimpse into what’s to come in the future.”
Lofton piloted his #41 2WD Jimco-built Trick Truck, nicknamed “Fury,” to overall victory with co-driver Derek Balcunas on combined times over the two races held on consecutive days, finishing nearly five minutes ahead of second place. Lofton and Balcunas won the first day’s event by nearly three minutes on Saturday, only to suffer a flat tire on the second day, clawing back despite the setback to finish third and lock in overall victory on Sunday.
“It was a great weekend and way to end the 2020 BITD season,” Lofton added. “Everyone at Lofton Racing and FOX Factory have been working hard on getting the #41 truck back on the podium. Late in the season we were able to get our second truck ‘Fury’ back on the track with major upgrades, with one being the addition of RAD Live Valve. As the holes grew with every lap on the course, with Live Valve I was able to keep my foot to the floor.”
What’s RAD?
In an effort to continually develop highly advanced suspension products, FOX constantly tests prototype components in the field under the world’s best racers. Some of these components – or parts of them – eventually make it into production, many of them do not. Testing in real-world environments, such as in racing applications, is a critical part of how FOX determines what works best – not only for its professional athletes but ultimately for every consumer who puts their trust in FOX products.
What’s Live Valve?
Live Valve technology continuously and intelligently adjusts compression damping in real-time to deliver the ideal ride for any terrain or driving situation. By utilizing various vehicle sensors and accelerometers, the shocks can instantaneously adapt to inertial, steering, braking, and acceleration inputs to actively maximize handling, comfort, and bottom-out resistance. This same technology is available on the Ford Raptor, Polaris RZR and Honda Talon UTVs, and mountain bikes from Pivot, Giant and Scott, among others. Read more here.
Link: FOX
