Cavin: 10 things to like about IndyCar season so far

In honor of David Letterman's final month of late-night television, the Top 10 Things to Like About IndyCar this season to date:

10. The season finally started: The first race was supposed to be March 8, but the Brazilians called off their event. There have been four races so far, with Long Beach one of its best in recent years and a spectacular race at Barber Motorsports Park.

9. Four different race winners: Who had the first four races going to Juan Pablo Montoya (St. Petersburg), James Hinchcliffe (New Orleans), Scott Dixon (Long Beach) and Josef Newgarden (Barber)? And, they represent four different teams (Penske, Schmidt Peterson, Ganassi and CFH, respectively).

8. Team Penske not dominating: Yes, the fearsome foursome has won all the poles, but they've only got one victory (Montoya) and they're not 1-2-3-4 in points; they're 1-2-5-9.

7. Seabass in the hunt each week: Unification of the sport was seven years ago, but there are still some who pull passionately for four-time Champ Car World Series champion Sebastien Bourdais, and he's given them a lot to cheer for this season. He stands to win a race.

6. Expansion at three teams: The Penske, Ganassi and Foyt teams have more cars this season, pushing the car count to 24 at some races. There will be 34 at Indy.

5. The addition of NOLA Motorsports Park: Yes, the facility that hosted IndyCar for the first time earlier this month needs more development (improved spectator parking is No. 1), but it's got a big upside and a great market for IndyCar and its teams to entertain partners.

4. Justin Wilson and Simona De Silvestro at Andretti for Indy: They're two of the series' most popular drivers, and if Honda has a good month of May, these two will be competitive.

3. Graham Rahal more competitive: Graham's drive at Barber Motorsports Park was one of the best of his career, up there with a near-win at Texas a few years ago. IndyCar needs more of that, particularly in Steak 'n Shake colors. Also, the value of having Newgarden as a race winner can't be understated.

2. Conor Daly lands ride for Indy: Seldom does a one-time Indianapolis 500 starter generate as much excitement as Daly did when introduced by Schmidt Peterson Motorsports for the Indianapolis 500. He's got as strong of a following as almost anyone in the sport, and he's got the talent to back it up.

1. May is upon us: That speaks for itself. That there are two races coming to Indianapolis Motor Speedway only adds to the fun.

Follow Curt Cavin on Twitter: @curtcavin