2013-2014 USAS Grand Prix Series Will Give Away One-Year Car Leases to Winners

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.

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coacherik
10 years ago

Does the winner have to pay the taxes on this? That would be a bit of a buzz kill if so.

Steve Nolan
10 years ago

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.

beachmouse
Reply to  Steve Nolan
10 years ago

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.

YouGotLezakd
10 years ago

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.

YouGotLezakd
10 years ago

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 🙂

bobo gigi
10 years ago

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. 🙂

Swammer
Reply to  bobo gigi
10 years ago

Did Ledecky go pro and I missed it?

bobo gigi
Reply to  Swammer
10 years ago

You’re right. I had forgotten that.

jarrettbrown
Reply to  bobo gigi
10 years ago

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.

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Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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