Josh Stade Adds Junior Hanley Classic to Marquee 2025 Season

Rain-Shortened Win Caps Off Dominant Stretch for No. 17 Team

Chesley, ON – Josh Stade and the No. 17 Stade Motorsports team continued their incredible 2025 campaign by adding yet another crown jewel victory to their growing list of accomplishments — this time taking the checkered flag in the Junior Hanley Classic at Sunset Speedway.

 

The race was shortened due to rain, but that didn’t stop Stade from putting on a commanding performance. After settling into third early in the 172-lap feature, Stade patiently saved his tires and played the long game as he battled with a stacked field that included top-tier talent like Treyten Lapcevich and defending race winner Jordan Howse.

When the race hit a competition caution at lap 100, the team made the crucial call to stay out, gaining track position and lining Stade up on the outside of the front row. From there, he didn’t look back.

“We just stuck to our plan early and bought ourselves some time,” said Stade. “Once we got that restart opportunity, I knew we had the car to get it done. Huge credit to my guys for the call to stay out — it was exactly what we needed.”

The win marks Stade’s third marquee victory of the year, joining his earlier triumphs in the Dayco 100 and the Steve Slaughter Classic, all at Sunset Speedway.

“To win three major events like this in one season — it’s honestly pretty special,” Stade said. “These are tough fields, great competitors, and big races. I’m just proud of how hard our team has worked to make it happen.”

That hard work is backed by the steadfast support of Stade’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, have all played a key role in the team’s standout season.

“We’ve been building this program step by step,” Stade continued. “Everyone — from the guys in the shop to our incredible sponsors — has pushed to get us here. We’re just trying to keep it rolling.”

With the Junior Hanley Classic trophy now in hand, the Stade Motorsports team shifts focus back to the APC United Late Model Series, which resumes this coming weekend with Round 6 at Sauble Speedway — Stade’s home track.

“We’re pumped to get back to Sauble,” Stade said. “It’s home. It’s where our fans and friends are. And with the way things are going, we feel confident that we can keep the momentum going and stay in this championship hunt.”

Fans can catch Josh and the No. 17 team in action this weekend as the APC Tour hits the tight confines of Sauble for what’s sure to be another exciting chapter in a season to remember.

 

Photo Credit: Canadian Motorsports Photography