My car is a 2000 Lincoln Continental, 4.6V8, about 85K miles.

While driving to work recently, there was a "thunk" in the front of
the car, the "Traction Control failure" message came on, and the rpm
indicator shot up to max then fell to zero and remained there. I was
able to continue to my office where I parked. When I came to drive
home, the car won't start, and I get a "check traction control"
message. The battery is fine (12.5+ V), and when I turn the ignition
switch to start there is simply nothing - no engagement of the starter
motor at all. Is my starting problem related to the traction control
issue? If it is, or may be, how can I troubleshoot this, short of
having the car towed to my my mechanic?