Building on a Trio of Solid Sick Summer Presented by Motion Raceworks Finishes, Cameron Alley is Ready to Take an Orange Helmet Home From the Sick 8.50 Shootout Class at Speedfest This Month!
Some of the toughest competition at the major drag and drive events can be in the Street Race / Limited Street 8.50-second based classes. Some of the more successful in the classes tell tales of testing and getting the data, especially for a variety of weather conditions to run the pass needed to be competitive.
Cameron Alley has been plugging away at the eight-and-a-half second game in drag and drive for a while, and his track record at the Motion Raceworks Sick Summer event reflects the hard work he’s done. Back-to-back second place finishes in 2023 and 2024 gave way to a class win in 2025, and Cameron is hungry for another helmet chance, with his first shot at this month’s Speedfest.
Sick the Magazine is READY to continue a solid 2026 season with a BRAND NEW event with Braggin Rights and Street Car Takeover - Speedfest - at Beech Bend Raceway in Kentucky May 28-30th, 2026! 300 racers, a Top Fuel dragster, Jet Cars, a concert, and SO MUCH MORE!! For more information and details, including classes, format and tickets, visit the Speedfest event page by CLICKING HERE!
A competitor with the Mustang since picking it up in 2019, Cameron has expanded his usage of the car beyond drag and drive with similar success. He’s won a couple track championships in index racing at his home track, Byron Dragway, and dipped into the popular Lil Gangstas class as well.
How does he rank the eighth-mile distance versus quarter-mile racing? “They both have their place,” said Cameron. “My favorite part about drag racing has always been letting go of the button and feeling that kick in the ass and front-end rise, so I get that either way. Eighth-mile is a little safer, easier on your engine, and it is kind of nice to not have to re-pack your parachute. However, there's nothing quite like throwing that chute at 160+ mph!”
The competition level can be both an attraction for those wanting to push themselves against some of the best, as well as a deterrent for newcomers. “There's always been a lot of talk about what is a street car. I can't think of a better way to prove that or test the capabilities of a 2-man team and their machine,” Cameron said. “I love how competitive the class is. If I dislike anything about the class, it’s how competitive it is.”
Putting down runs over a period of four to five days is something Cameron and his dad Mike are used to. The Speedfest event brings a new format, with a three-run average from two days good enough to earn a top ten qualifying spot for the chance to win the first task. Then, a single shot, ‘closest to 8.50 without going under’ pass to determine a winner, with a Sick The Mag orange helmet and $5000 on the line.
“We had a lot of fun at Sick on the Green last year,” said Cameron. “It’s looking like Speedfest is going to be even bigger and better. I'm all for taking home another helmet and $5000; I love it! Honestly though I know there's at least 10 other guys who are just as capable, but I like my chances.”
Speedfest is the first of its kind, as Sick The Mag, Braggin Rights and Street Car Takeover combine together at Beech Bend Raceway Park for a three-day event like no other. 300 competitors will tackle the Kentucky track, and competitor spots are going fast!!
We also have spectator tickets, as well as VIP packages, now available. Don't miss your chances to witness it all – May 28th through the 30th, 2026. CLICK HERE to visit the Speedfest event page!
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Sick the Magazine, 1320 Video and Cameron Alley.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com