I suspect that the heritability of athletic ability is rather high. When that turns out to be true, it will be harder for people to deny that there are also heritable differences in both other abilities and personality. I think it will be easier for people to accept the fact that running ability is partially genetic than it will be to accept the fact that your likelihood to commit a violent crime is partially genetic. However, once the foot is in the door, it will be very tough to close it.

from what i know most people think the heritability of athletic ability is high.

Stock car racing is extremely grueling, requiring advanced reflexes far above human norms, and tends to be conducted by families despite what is presumably a large number of people who would like to participate if they could compete.

Why doesn't anyone look for genetic influences there? Is it too obvious that there are inherited characteristics that are relevant? Or is the sport not classy enough?

Given the enormous number of father and son duo's that have starred in various major league sports, not to mention brothers and cousins (the mannings anyone?) the heritability of athletic ability is in no doubt I think even by the general public. After all height is obviously genetic in it's basis, and that is a factor in athletic ability to.