National Equipment League Operator Challenge: Season 3 Wraps Filming — And It’s Bigger Than Ever

The National Equipment League (NEL) has quickly become one of the most exciting competition series in the construction equipment industry—combining operator skill, speed, and personality in a one-of-a-kind challenge format that’s redefining what it means to run heavy iron. What started as a bold idea in early Summer of 2024 with Season 1 is now a multi-season phenomenon backed by some of the industry's biggest names—led by HD Hyundai Construction Equipment, the league’s founding partner sponsor.


Season 2, Winter Games 2024
Filmed at the Hyundai Customer Product Center in Carnesville, Georgia in December 2025, the winter games elevated the competition through fresh formats, returning champions such as Mike Simon, Dirt Perfect, Bryan Furnace, (Diesel & Iron) and new faces including Brenna Moore and Chris Guins (Letsdig18)—bringing heavy equipment operation into the mainstream as a sport rooted in character, speed, and strategy.

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Jessica Klein, Director of Accts., PKA Marketing, Matt Gansser, Director
of Distribution & Marketing, and Susan Philpott, Marketing Manager, and Stan Park,
President (not pictured) HD Hyundai Construction Equipment

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Event 1, Bin Block Bash
Event 2, Mass Excavator Sprint
Event 3, Boulder Wall Build
Event 4, Championship Round

Season 3, Filmed in July 2025
Last week, in late July 2025, Season 3 was filmed at the same Carnesville, GA Hyundai product center. The event not only brought new challenges to the dirt—but also turned a meaningful page of gratitude: as an expression of appreciation to Hyundai as NEL’s founding partner sponsor, PKA Marketing awarded founder’s awards to the Hyundai marketing team during the July challenge event. These awards acknowledge Hyundai’s commitment and support since the league’s inception.

This new season features:

  • All-new challenge formats designed to push machines and operators to their limits
  • A fresh lineup of competitors, including returning fan favorites and first-time challengers
  • Expanded coverage and behind-the-scenes content to bring viewers closer to the action


Season 3 also marked a moment of gratitude and recognition. During the filming, PKA Marketing presented Founder's Awards to the Hyundai marketing team in appreciation of their support and commitment from the league’s inception. As the founding partner sponsor, Hyundai has been instrumental in giving this operator-first competition series a national platform.


As Season 3’s post-production wraps up, stay tuned for a full release—highlight reel, event episodes, and more—delivering the next level of heavy equipment competition. Check back August 15th for the release of Event 1’s video, and 3 more to follow in coming weeks!