As the APC United Late Model Series rolls into Sunset Speedway this Saturday for the Stewart’s Equipment 150, all eyes are on Josh Stade and the No. 17 Stade Motorsports team. Stade enters the marquee event on top of the championship standings, holding a six-point lead over defending champion Kye Steckly, thanks to an unmatched streak of consistency and momentum.
Stade has been the definition of steady in 2025, the only driver in the series to finish inside the top five in all seven races so far. That consistency has kept him out front in the standings, but it’s been balanced with flashes of brilliance at the biggest events. The Chesley, ON driver has already scored two of Ontario’s crown jewels — the Steve Slaughter Classic and the Junior Hanley Classic — and kicked off the year with winning the APC Series opener [the Dayco 100] all at Sunset Speedway.
“Sunset has really been good to us this year,” Stade said. “We’ve had a great car every time we’ve unloaded here, and it’s given us a lot of confidence. Hopefully, we can keep that momentum going in the 150.”
The Stewart’s Equipment 150 is one that carries extra meaning for Stade. Not only is he the defending race winner, but it’s also the longest and one of the most demanding races on the APC schedule.
Last weekend at Sauble Speedway, Stade showed the discipline that’s defined his season. With qualifying washed out and weather threatening, he managed the race smart, keeping himself at the front and walking away with a podium in a rain-shortened feature.
“We didn’t have the best car last weekend,” he admitted. “But with the circumstances, we did what we could to secure a solid finish and hang onto the points lead. In this series, with the level of talent we’re racing against, sometimes that’s just as important as winning.”
While the championship picture is becoming clearer, Stade isn’t shy about what’s at stake. “I won’t lie — winning the championship would mean a lot, not just to me but to my whole team and sponsors,” he said. “At the same time, our focus hasn’t changed. We’re still coming out every week, trying to win races. That’s how you stay in contention.”
With three major victories already under his belt this season and a perfect record at Sunset in 2025, Stade will be one of the favourites when the green flag drops on Saturday night.
The Stewart’s Equipment 150 takes place at Sunset Speedway this Saturday, August 23, with qualifying scheduled for 6:35 PM. Fans can catch the action live at the track or on Racing America.
Stade’s 2025 Pro Late Model campaign is proudly backed by the steadfast support of the team’s long-time partners, including Canada Clean Fuels, Dayco, Canadian Flat Roof Systems, Vinny’s Masonry, Ferrier Contracting, Clear Water Shores Civil Engineering, Nicol Insurance, MEI Paving, Tiremaster, N.Piccolli Construction, Ryan Enright Co-operators, J Bumstead, JBM Electric, Langland Farms, APC, and Teeswater Concrete.
-- Photo: Canadian Motorsports Photography
-- Story by: Tracy Hoskins
