INNISFIL, ON- After a frustrating performance at May 3rd’s Spring Derby 100, Josh Stade returned to Sunset Speedway on May 24th with a different setup in hopes of earning a more favorable result.
“We had a real hard time rolling the center the last time we were here”, explained Stade. “So, we went home and worked with Brian MacDonald to put together a setup that would keep our car from tightening up as much as it did at the Derby”
The improvement was evident from the moment Stade unloaded for practice. As the MEI Paving No. 17 rattled off lap times comparable to Sunset’s weekly contenders through the afternoon’s sessions.
“Sunset has been a track that we’ve struggled with in the past”, admitted Stade. “It felt good coming back with a better package and being able to run with some of the bigger names here”
In the 50-lap feature event, Stade made good use of his top-10 starting position, and ran within a hare’s breath of the leaders all evening long. At times challenging for a spot within the top-5.
“My team put forth such a phenomenal effort today. I really can’t thank them enough”, stressed Stade post-race. “The car felt leagues better than it did the last time we were here. Our bell housing was bottom out, so it kept our ride from rolling the center as much as we would have liked to, but we certainly got a grip on the handling issues that gave our problems a few weeks ago”
“We were good, but every time the bell housing bottomed out it would upset the car”, explained Stade. “It kept us from being able to drive in as deep as we’d like, which is where we lost all of our ground”
The second-generation driver is quick to point out his team won’t be satisfied until they have a competitive package at Sunset, and hints that a return is likely in the coming weeks.
“The competition down here is phenomenal. We’re only going to get better every time we race against these guys. The car’s not perfect yet, we’ll definitely be back. Sauble’s off for another 2 weeks, so there’s a real good chance we’ll be back”
Josh Stade is proud to carry sponsorship from MEI Paving, APC Autoparts, Upper Canada Tile, Kunkel Bus Lines, Ken’s Truck Painting and WIX Filters.
Fans can keep up with Josh as he works through his 2014 season via his @PrimeTimeStade Twitter account, as well as the official Stade Motorsports Facebook page.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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