Leave it up to the federal government to find creative ways to “use” our money.  Their latest stroke of brilliance, let the FCC sponsor a NASCAR race car.

Hoping to rev up awareness for the transition to digital TV, the Federal Communications Commission is putting up $350,000 for a three-race sponsorship deal with NASCAR team No. 38.  [start your engines]

So how is the FCC car doing?  Terribly.

In two races thus far, the FCC-sponsored car has crashed, leaving it sidelined and impossible for any spectators to read the advertising on the car- Which was the entire point of this high-priced exercise.

“It’s the leading spectator sport in the country. That is a great opportunity to get the word out about the transition,” said FCC spokeswoman Mary Diamond.

And just when you thought this story couldn’t get any more ridiculous, it does. This past weekend, the FCC car not only crashed, but also caught on fire.

Enjoy the video and the irony.

“Regulation’s racin!“