Nott Company is proud to continue its strong partnership with the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) through our ongoing support of the annual Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge. This year’s competition was hosted by IMI in Rockford, Illinois, marking another exciting milestone in the initiative where students from across the country put their fluid power knowledge and creativity to the test.

As in past years, several Nott Company engineers served as mentors and judges, offering real-world insight and support to student teams. Senior Systems Engineer Tony Hennum returned this year to mentor the team from Iowa State University, a group of mostly returning competitors who had already gained valuable experience from past challenges.

“Iowa State didn’t need much guidance this year, but we did work through some major improvements to last year’s bike, including resolving issues with the chain and a twisting frame,” said Hennum. “It’s incredibly rewarding to watch students who’ve had limited exposure to hydraulics tackle real engineering problems. They always come out stronger.”

The Iowa State team—Austin, Jack, Ashley, and Stuart—took home the Judge’s Choice Award for Best Workmanship, thanks to their dedication to improving the bike’s design and durability. Their success is a testament to the hands-on learning and mentorship opportunities the FPVC provides.

This year’s IMI event, the first of three competitions in the 2025 series, featured nine university teams competing in both races and technical evaluations. The Grand Champion title went to SUNY Polytechnic Institute, followed by the University of Utah and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

We congratulate all the students and schools who participated, and we thank the NFPA for continuing to organize such a valuable experience for the future leaders of our industry.

Nott Company remains committed to supporting workforce development through education, mentorship, and collaboration—and we look forward to the next round of innovation at future NFPA events.