by Brian Neal
Donnellson, Iowa – This coming Saturday, October 31st the tradition of the annual Shiverfest event will continue at the Lee County Speedway in Donnellson, Iowa. Not only will there be some exciting racing action, but there will be bus rides through the pits, trick-or-treating, and box car races.

Shiverfest, which was started in 1999 by then promoters Terry and Jeni Hoenig, has always brought the end to each racing season for the past 26 years. With the uncertainty of the future plans for a new promoter to finish out the 2026 racing season and going forward into 2027, the Shiverfest event looked like it would come to an end. But then came along Brian and Marcie Gaylord, who were involved with the Lee County Speedway for nine years (2015 – 2023). Even promoting the track for the past few years, until 2023 when they decided to retire and focus on life. After talks with the Lee County Fairboard, Brian and Marcie were able to work things out to promote this one and only event to keep the tradition alive.

Fans in the grandstands, gates will open at 2:30 PM, when bus rides through the pits will be held until 3:30 PM. Following the bus rides will be trick-or-treating provided by the drivers from 3:45 PM to 4:45 PM. While the box car races will be held at intermission.

The on track action will feature the IMCA Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA SportMods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, IMCA Sport Compacts, American Iron Racing Series (A.I.R.S.), and Crown Vics. A top prize of $800 to win is awaiting the Late Model winner, with the Modifieds racing for $700 to win, and the Sport Compacts and Crown Vics are racing for $300 to win. The Stock Cars and SportMods are now racing for $850 to win and the Hobby Stocks $750 to win thanks to sponsorship money from Kohlmorgan Hauling out of Keokuk, Iowa. There are NO ENTRY FEES in any class. All IMCA classes will follow all IMCA rules, with the exception of the Late Models, Modifieds, Stock Cars, and SportMods being allowed to sipe, groove and grind on the tires you are required to run per the IMCA rulebook. Drivers, we want to remind you that the pill draw will conclude at 4:45 PM, with a driver’s meeting being held at 5 PM at the pit concessions, and hot laps at 5:15 PM.

Other sponsors we want to thank for stepping up and helping with Shiverfest in someway are Donnellson Tire & Service out of Donnellson, Iowa, Xpert Automotive and Sales out of Keokuk, Iowa, Level T Concrete out of Batavia, Iowa, JK Tire & Auto out of Kirksville, Missouri, Schoonover Land Enhancement out of Unionville, Missouri, and those who wished to remain anonymous.

One other thing, if mother nature happens to intervene for Saturday, October 31st, a make-up date for Saturday, November 7th will be used to try and complete Shiverfest.

Gates open at 2:30 PM, Hot Laps at 5:15 PM, and Racing to follow. Grandstand admission will be Adults $10, Seniors $8, Veterans & Students (11-17) $5, with Kids (10 & under) FREE! Pit passes will be $35, ages (7-13) $25, ages (4-6) $10, and ages (3 & under) $5. With this event being the only one promoted by Brian and Marcie they do not have an account to accept credit cards, so they will only be accepting cash as payment.

For more information about the Lee County Speedway you can visit their website at www.leecountyspeedway.com, or like them on Facebook.