USA Swimming has finalized the schedule for the 2013-2014 Grand Prix Series, which will look very similar to what it did before.
· Nov. 14-16, 2013: Arena Grand Prix at Minneapolis
· Jan. 17-19, 2014: Arena Grand Prix at Austin
· Feb. 13-15, 2014: Arena Grand Prix at Orlando
· April 24-26, 2014: Arena Grand Prix at Mesa
· May 15-18, 2014: Arena Grand Prix at Charlotte
· June 19-22, 2014: Arena Grand Prix at Santa Clara
They’ve also finalized the prize money, which will be the same as last year:
1st in each event – $500
2nd in each event – $300
3rd in each event – $100
That’s all well-known news.
Here’s the new twist on this year’s series: BMW will give away a BMW ActiveHybrid 3 Series car to the highest scoring eligible male and female swimmer in the overall series standings.
That’s a huge upgrade from last year, where series winners Ryan Lochte and Missy Franklin got a simple plaque and recognition for winning the overall series in the transition year from the old system, where overall series winner took the cash, to the new system, where cash is divided among race medalists.
Note that the 2013 edition of this car has a sticker price of $49,700. Throw on top the delivery charges and taxes thrown in by USA Swimming, and that is a sweet prize, though it’s only a one-year lease. That’s still a one-year lease of a $50,000 car.
Note that the cars will go to someone, even if the series winners aren’t eligible.
Winners in each Olympic event (plus their closest yards equivalent for Minneapolis) will receive five points, runners-up will receive three points, and third-place finishers will receive one point.
Does the winner have to pay the taxes on this? That would be a bit of a buzz kill if so.
Erik – USA swimming picks up the bill on the taxes for the cars.
“Note that the 2013 edition of this car has a sticker price of $49,700. Throw on top the delivery charges and taxes thrown in by USA Swimming, and that is a sweet prize, though it’s only a one-year lease. That’s still a one-year lease of a $50,000 car.”
They’re giving away a lease!? I had no idea that was even possible.
Given that it’s only a year, it’s probably worth what, $10,000? Better than a plaque, but still. They take back your prize after a year.
Better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. It’s a good cross-promotion for BMW and a really sweet car.
And probably good for BMW that Lochte has never really gone for a GP overall title because I’m not sure what kind of condition the car would be in when he turned it back in.
If a certain French Olympic champion decides to attend the other five stops besides Minneapolis, he could definitely win the series. Watch out for Tom Shields, he could take the series if he attends each stop.
This makes things a lot more interesting! I think a lot more pro swimmers are gonna be hitting up more stops. Who knows, we might see a fast a-final in Minneapolis 🙂
With Lochte in Australia, there’s a good chance to see Agnel winning this car. But perhaps Clary, who loves cars, disagrees. Dwyer will be a huge contender too.
On the women’s side, with Missy in NCAA, Miss Ledecky looks unbeatable. I hope she has her driver’s license. 🙂
Did Ledecky go pro and I missed it?
You’re right. I had forgotten that.
Lochte should be back in time for the start of the Grand Prix series. He could be going down under soon enough or is already down there for all we know.