From what I have read, the original 5 Cannonball runs did not involve wholesale slaughter of innocent motorists.
From the video clips I have watched, I cannot say that the drivers in current events are as careful or as caring as the original cannonballers. In particular, the Gumball clips I have seen show some real A-holes, and some horrendous wrecks. Like this one from the 2004 Gumball:
If I didn't want to look down my elitist nose at the unwashed masses, I would be driving a Ford Taurus rather than a Porsche. And I don't believe that any Porsche owner can tell me that brand recognition, and the associated awe factor, played
no part in their decision to own a Porsche. But that's my opinion.