DTV Transition Car Hits Wall

10:50 AM -- The Feds certainly hope the irony of this story doesn't symbolize what's to come when the February 2009 digital television transition rolls around, but the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) -sponsored "Digital TV Transition Ford" smashed into a wall during its inaugural run Sunday afternoon at the Tums QuickPack 500 in Virginia.

The car, driven by David Gilliland, looked pretty messed up after bouncing off the wall in turn four of lap 485. Despite the crash, occurring after the DTV car made contact with another racer, Gilliland finished the race in 32nd place.

The FCC last week announced it would sponsor the No. 38 entry for the three remaining races in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The FCC reportedly spent about $350,000 to sponsor the car as part of the Commission's ongoing DTV transition outreach.

"I believe this sponsorship is an extremely effective way for the FCC to raise DTV awareness among people of all ages and income levels across the United States who loyally follow one of the most popular sports in America," FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said when the Commission announced the sponsorship on Oct. 16.

Well, they do say that any publicity is good publicity. This incident will certainly put that axiom to the test.

— Jeff Baumgartner, Site Editor, Cable Digital News