The Tapio Brothers are the most successful team on the RMSHA circuit. The team consists of: Nels the oldest, then Kyle and the youngest brother is Russ. The Tapio’s came to Jackson for the first time as spectators in 2005. That is when they decided to race. The first year Team Tapio raced at Jackson was 2006, and what a year that was. They seemed to come from nowhere and Kyle took the King Of Kings title. Kyle has gone on to win four King titles at the World Championship in the last four years. Three of those are King Of Kings Titles.
In 2007, Kyle even won the King of Kings on an improved stock sled. Older brother Nels has had class wins in every year and in 2007 had the fastest time on the hill. Youngest brother Russ had his first class win at Jackson and has taken 2ndplace a couple of times.
In 2008, Kyle was first in Open Mod and Russ was second. And all this winning is due to hard work, according the their dad, John Tapio, who is the backbone of the team. John told us that Team Tapio prepares for races with some physical workouts, but being in the construction business keeps them physically fit. The team puts hours of hard work into their sleds, motor tuning and suspension tuning. Competing against each other to dial in and adjust their sleds for the optimum performance. All of the boys have the same bent knee forward style of riding which is their trademark. This style helps them power through the rocks and trenches on a course. Rarely do you see their skis far up in the air. No matter which brother you see riding, you know it is a Tapio. While I have never seen John Tapio ride, I believe he may be the inventor of their aggressive riding style.
According to John, their team motto is: “You Reap What You Sew”. And the success that “Team Tapio” enjoys; just proves that “Hard Work Pays Off “!
Our congratulations to Team Tapio for their impressive wins. For more photos and info on The Jackson World Championship, visit www.bamfilmproductions.com
