@PrimeTimeStade @Sunset_Speedway @UnitedLMSeries CHESLEY, ON- Current Sauble Speedway point leader Josh Stade will take a break from weekly Ltd. Late Model competition this weekend, instead focusing his attention on his upstart Pro Late Model program for the first time in almost a month when the APC United Late Model Series hits Sunset Speedway for Round 7 of its 2015 schedule.
“This team has never been as confident as we are right now,” explains Stade as he prepares his No. 17 for this Sunday’s event. “We’ve been working nonstop on both of our cars and everything has been falling into place. We’re ready to get back on the podium at Sunset”
‘Primetime’ most recently saw action at Sauble last Saturday, turning in a runner-up performance to tighten his grip on the current Ltd. Late Model points standings. Stade currently sits holds the points lead with only two events remaining, as his MEI Paving-backed team inch their way towards their first career track championship.
Now, Stade will hope to carry over some of that momentum to the APC Series. The second-generation star has a trio of top-10 finishes in tour competition this season, and hopes to secure his first top-5 on Sunday afternoon.
“This tour has taken us clear across the province this season, and I would say that Sunset is most definitely the track that we feel most comfortable at away from home,” says Stade when asked his outlook entering the 100-lap contest.
“We were good there in the spring, and that was with zero experience at Sunset in a Pro Late Model. Now, [Chassis Expert] Brian [MacDonald] has a whole list of stuff to make this car better – so I can’t wait to see what it’s like when we hit the track”
Despite entering the season as a considerable underdog against the tour’s veteran-heavy roster, Stade enters Round 7 tied for fourth in the series’ points standings.
“I don’t feel any pressure to succeed, because I think we’ve already performed a lot stronger than anyone thought we would,” shrugs the likeable up-and-comer. “I feel like I’m playing with house money right now. We’ve had some awesome runs already, and right now my only job is to take care of our equipment and learn as much as I can”
The Chesley, ON native already has a Sunset victory under his belt – a Ltd. Late Model triumph at the speedway’s season opener in May – and is quick to explain that a repeat victory would mean the world to his family-run operation.
“Another win at Sunset – especially on this tour against this calibre of competition – would be the highlight of my career,” admits Stade.
“That place has an atmosphere about it that’s unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been. Every race you run there feels like the most important one of your career. If we can get back to victory lane, it’s something I’ll remember forever.”
For more information on Sunday’s APC United Late Model Series presented by Grisdale Racing Products sanctioned event, visit www.APCRacingSeries.com or www.SunsetSpeedway.ca.
Josh Stade’s 2015 season is powered by Upper Canada Title, FLO Enterprises, Nicol Insurance, Barclay Wholesale, Jim Cavil Fuels, MEI Paving, Bruce Service Sales and Rentals, APC and Kunkel Bus Lines.
To learn more about ‘Prime Time’ Josh Stade, visit the Stade Motorsports page on Facebook and follow Josh on Twitter @PrimeTimeStade.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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