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DIRTsports Project Elf “Class 11” Changes Shops from Wizard School of Fabrication to Master Fabricator Troy Johnson’s - The Fab School

By DirtNewz.com Staff
Orange, California - (January 19, 2006)

Troy Johnson's - "The Fab School" Takes Over DIRTsports Project Elf

In the October 2005 edition of DIRTsports Magazine, (page 58) they reported their latest project, “Project Elf,” a state-of-the-art Class 11 build up, was being conducting in unison between the Wizard School of Fabrication and the DIRTsports team of talent.

However, most recently, DirtNewz discovered this project has quietly changed hands between competing fabrication schools. The project that was once going to be built under the watchful eyes of the Wizard is now going under the knife at Troy Johnson’s, The Fab School.

The Fab School is California’s newest state certified automotive/off-road fabrication school. CEO/Founder, Troy Johnson has been deeply rooted in the industry for nineteen years and is well-known for his detailed craftsmanship for some of the leading factory teams such as, Walker Evan’s Dodge, Darren Skilton’s Kia, Mike Leslie’s Lucas Ford and Jeep, and Curt LeDuc’s Ford program.

Troy has traveled around the world with Kia as a crew chief at the Dakar Rally in the year 2000. He is also known for his innovative designs and inventions such as the TJF Treadlockers, TJF Rapid Release Light Mount and motorized light bar.

Johnson has owned a fabrication business for nine years and throughout the duration he has been approached by multiple companies looking for qualified fabricators. Johnson Fabrication routinely struggles filling their own employment needs.

“Within our industry we are always on the search for top rated talent. We often end up training them for months at our shop and then they end up leaving to work for larger companies or starting their own businesses. And then I’m stuck re-training new employees. I don’t blame them because we all have to start somewhere in order to gain the knowledge needed to excel in the industry. What we are hoping for in The Fab School to provide an ongoing pool of qualified employees for our growing industry,” said Johnson.

It’s interesting that we recently noticed the full page Wizard Schools of Fabrication advertisements in DIRTsports Magazine have ceased and the word began to leak that “Project Elf,” was happening at The Fab School instead of Wizard. Hmmm, inquiring minds want to know.

The Fab School Administrator – Melissa Davis commented, “This is a great opportunity for our students, as they will build a complete state-of-the-art Class 11 that the DIRTsports staff will race in upcoming races.”

DirtNewz spoke with Chris – Wizard School of Fabrication / Riverside Manager who said he didn’t know what happened and that they had purchased a Baja to start the project and the next thing he knew he heard the project was going to be built by Johnson’s new school.

DirtNewz will keep you updated as the saga of the Class 11 “Project Elf” goes under the knife in preparation for a triumphant debut in the deserts of North America by the DIRTsports team of desert racing talent.

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