NEWTON, Iowa — The IndyCar Series reiterated its support for the Iowa Speedway following comments from driver Graham Rahal that insinuated the series won't return in 2014.

Rahal said Saturday after a qualifying run that he hoped Sunday's race drew a strong crowd, adding that "there's a lot of rumors we won't be coming back here and I hope that's not true. I mean, it's a fun place to go race."

The IndyCar series has a year-to-year contract with Iowa Speedway, which has hosted the series since 2007.

IndyCar spokeswoman Amy Konrath responded to Rahal's comments by telling The Associated Press that the series and the speedway are in discussions about future scheduling.

Konrath says Iowa is a unique venue that highlights the excitement and versatility of the series.