CHESLEY, ON- After suffering engine failure at Sauble Speedway’s ‘Battle at the Beach’ on July 11th, current Late Model point leader Josh Stade is rushing to have his family-owned No. 17 prepared for Wednesday night action in the annual ‘Dash for Cash’ invitational.
“We’ve been thrashing like crazy to get this car ready,” explains a visibly exhausted Stade. “The ‘Dash’ is something we absolutely want to be a part of. It’s just all about finding the time to get a new motor in the car and have it ready for Wednesday while simultaneously getting our [APC United Late Model Series] Pro Late Model ready for Sunday”
Stade Motorosports is a largely family-run operation, with a team of relatives and close friends that dedicate their time to keeping ‘Prime Time’ in contention on a weekly basis. However, Stade admits, preparing two cars for three shows this week is beginning to wear on the volunteer crew.
“These guys all have regular jobs and families, too,” notes the championship hopeful. “Asking them to give eight hours of their time every night is a lot. But, every single person on this team is a gamer. We haven’t stopped working. We’re doing everything in our power to be ready for Wednesday night”
“The ‘Dash’ is the Crown Jewel for the Limited Late Models at Sauble,” adds Stade. “The ‘Beat the Heat’ is a huge event – but that’s always been for Pro Late Models. Wednesday night is when the weekly Ltd. Late Model guys get to test themselves against some of the best around”
The second-generation star hopes to be ready in time for July 29th competition, when Late Model stars from across Ontario are expected to converge on Sauble’s tight quarter-mile bullring.
“I think there’s an excellent chance that a Sauble guy takes home the trophy when all is said and done,” says Stade. “I mean, for an outsider to come in here and win, they have to beat Me, [Tim] Ellis, Marvin [Freiburger] and [Jason] Parker. Those are long odds, man. Those are 4 really, really good teams to try and keep behind you”
Stade will enter the invitational event in the midst of a dream season, after already earning a pair of Ltd. Late Model victories at Sunset and Sauble en route to taking hold of the division points lead for the first time in his career.
“Aside from our motor issue last time out, this season has been the best we’ve ever had,” smiles the Chesley, ON native. “This is the year we’ve been building towards for a long time, now. Everything is working the way we want it to. If we could add a ‘Dash’ win – it would be nothing short of amazing. I grew up coming to this race as a kid and have always wanted to win it. This one is at the top of our list, and we’ll be looking to do whatever we have to to win it.”
Details for Wednesday’s ‘Dash for Cash’ can be found at www.SaubleSpeedway.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)
Discussion about this post