I noticed this as well. At first glance, having not read the article at that point yet, I thought it was some AI generated car with distortion knowing typical HN articles. After reading the extensively long article, I realized it was likely distorted maybe out of an abundance of caution against potential identification from modern law enforcement tech? Given the highly illegal nature of the sport/challenge, and the likelihood of the characters of the article to reuse their vehicles for such activities, this was the best explanation that came to my mind.

It was a rental car, and just a stock Ford Mustang. No need for concealment.

Documented testimony of flagrant disregard for interstate law might have something to do with it.

If one of the many jurisdictions passed through has camera footage with the car and face uniquely identified, that’s a lot of legal exposure.

That doesn't really make sense, since this guy already did an interview for VinWiki, describing the run, how he did it, and showing pictures of the car: https://youtu.be/EvQFDtJUdHw?t=207

The people assisting by intentionally tying up the cops could have additional charges brought against them if identified.