Josh Stade Powers to Victory in Rain-Delayed APC Series Opener at Sunset Speedway

Innisfil, ON – The 2025 APC United Late Model Series season couldn’t have started any better for Josh Stade and the No. 17 Stade Motorsports team. Despite cool temperatures and a full-day rain delay, Stade powered to an impressive win in the Dayco 100 on Sunday afternoon at Sunset Speedway, continuing his early-season dominance and setting the tone for a serious championship pursuit.

Coming off a win in the Steve Slaughter Classic just two weeks earlier at the same track, Stade returned to Sunset with confidence and momentum. That energy was evident from the drop of the green flag, as Stade stayed poised through a series of mid-race restarts and tire strategy games, eventually pulling away to claim his first APC Series victory of the season.

“Starting the season off strong like this is exactly what we were aiming for,” said Stade in victory lane. “With the weather delay, the cool track temps, and a stacked field, it definitely wasn’t easy — but our team executed, stayed focused, and gave me a great car.”

The win was made possible by the tireless effort and preparation of the Stade Motorsports crew, as well as the continued support of key partners, including Dayco, Canada Flat Roof Systems, Canada Clean Fuels, Nicol Insurance, N. Piccolli Construction, Vinny’s Masonry, Ferrier Contracting, APC, J Bumstead, Ryan Enright Co-operators, Side Street Pizza, MEI Paving, Teeswater Concrete, Langland Farms, Clear Water Shores Civil Engineering, and Tiremaster.

“I can’t thank our crew and sponsors enough,” said Stade. “Everyone on this team has worked so hard in the off-season to keep building our program. These wins are a product of that dedication, and we’re excited to keep this momentum going.”

Stade’s No. 17 car showed both speed and discipline throughout the 100-lap feature. With careful tire management early on, Stade was able to make his move in the second half of the race and control the pace from the front. It was a textbook example of execution from a team that’s clearly hitting its stride.

“We’ve been really focused on improving in every area — from car prep to pit strategy to communication,” Stade added. “We’re trying to take that next step as a team, and I think we’re starting to see that translate on the racetrack. We’re excited to run for a championship this year and we know it’s going to take this kind of effort every single week.”

The Dayco 100 win puts Stade in prime position as the APC Series begins its 10-race championship schedule. With Sunset Speedway already providing two trophies in 2025, the team now turns its attention to the next round at Flamboro Speedway on Friday, May 31st, where they’ll aim to continue their early-season hot streak.

“Sunset’s always been a great track for us, but every race presents a new challenge,” said Stade. “Flamboro has its own character, and we’re already working in the shop to get ready. The goal is to stay consistent and be in the mix every week. That’s how championships are won.”

Fans can follow Josh Stade and Stade Motorsports on social media for behind-the-scenes updates, race weekend coverage, and results all season long.

IG: @StadeMotorsports 

Tiktok: @stademotorsports17

Shop Merch: victorybuff.ca 

Photo by: Canadian Motorsports Photography