Certain races and titles throughout BMX Racing identify the top of any given class. With District Champ, State, and Gold Cup No. 1 to NAG and NAT No.1 being the goals for amateurs, once a racer leaps to the pro class, the number of title opportunities dwindles but the competition triples. With the USA BMX National No. 1 Men and Women Pro titles fought for throughout the season, a chance for the best in the US to solidify their spot as top dogs in the class is a sought-after title year after year. The 2022 USA Cycling National Championships, held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, during the final day of the Legacy Nationals, gave racers the one-day shot to earn top honors and to add the National Championship sleeve to their race kit. Throughout the race day, it was a flip of the coin and roll of the dice on who would take home the sleeve come main event time. The town of Tucson, Arizona, reigned supreme for the Men and Women Elites. Daleny Vaughn and Corben Sharrah crossed the line at the Hardesty National BMX Stadium National Championship, but the work to get them there started months, even years, beforehand. For Vaughn, her title in Tulsa was the first in her career and came in only her third year in the class. Daleny chipped away at her goals and training throughout her rookie season, using the 2020 season to cultivate her new speed in the Pro class. Charging into the final race of the 2021 season, Vaughn utilized her hard work and consistent laps to land herself at the top of the Grand Nationals podium and with the overall No. 3 for the season. However, Vaughn has found a new gear for the current 2022 season. Kicking the Pro Series off
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strong with a win at the Sunshine State Nationals, The Tuscon racer has been motivated to take small hill and big hill races by storm. Going into the final race for the 2022 National Championships, Vaughn and Stancil snapped out of the gate tied, but around the track, Vaughn fended off the USA BMX National No.1 Women Pro through turns one and two, taking her first of many titles. Watching Vaughn from behind the gate, fellow Tucson local Corben Sharrah locked into the gate, going for his fourth USA Cycling sleeve and competing with kids nearly a decade younger. But the dad life didn’t stop the Daylight ride. Sharrah is known for his even temper and insane bike control, making him a racer that will forever be a contender in the main event. Charging through the first straight, Sharrah was able to find the inside line and take control. Watching him lead the race, fans’ minds flashed back to countless main events with the 24 bike out in front. While some had put their bets on the younger crowd in the class, the veteran Sharrah showed Tulsa and all of BMX that his early years of riding dirt jumps in his backyard, representing Team USA at the Olympic level, along with decades of race-craft will stack up to big wins and a long career. With a long career under Sharrah’s belt and a long career ahead of Vaughn, TUCSON cheers will be heard from the stands for years to come. Currently gearing up for the World Championships in Nantes, FRA, the Tucson two are ready to make another splash in the elite ranks as they snap out of the gate with W1 in their sights.
