In an age when social media is king, this not only encouraged speculation that quickly festered and grew like a disease, but suddenly saw conspiracy theories being developed that were not even close to the truth.Suddenly, and through none of her own doing, Molly Taylor was brought into the situation, with keyboard warriors quick to mount an anti-Subaru campaign, claiming that the manufacturer had instigated the whole affair. But a protest was never lodged, and any actions taken by the event organisers or the CAMS stewards, were of their own instigation. Yes, Molly Taylor nearly hit a 4WD vehicle head-on in the stage in question – a vehicle that was alleged to have been towing Eli Evans' Skoda back onto the stage – but that was her only involvement in the incident.

The podium presentation at Rally Tasmania bordered on comical. Photo: Luke Whitten
But this is 2018 and we're in the social media age – a time when rumours and innuendo gather momentum faster than Ott Tanak on a Rally Finland power stage.At the end of day, the fastest driver in the fastest car won Rally Tasmania. Whether that outcome is within the regulations is for the championship regulators to adjudicate on. In the meantime, however, Eli Evans and Molly Taylor, and their respective co-drivers and teams, weren't able to celebrate their successes in the appropriate manner. That, and the damage it has done to the ARC brand, is what's most disappointing.
Related stories:
https://rallysportmag.com/evans-penalised-post-event-at-rally-tasmania/ https://rallysportmag.com/cams-statement-on-evans-penalty-at-rally-tasmania/ https://rallysportmag.com/update-evans-now-declared-winner-of-rally-tasmania/- Full access
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