At 17 years old, I put an ad in MotorSport to become a 'gofer' in exchange for a travel opportunity. Nothing came of it. Henceforward, I always said 'Motorsport should have been my life, but the need to earn a living got in the way'. However, I did end up as an early member of the British Motor Racing Marshals' Club.
In the '60's I would hitch up to Silverstone, 'gofer' any race team in the old gravel paddock and was invariably rewarded with a meal, a pint (or three) of beer and a lift home in a sportscar at the end of the day. Happy Days!
Actually, you can probably do the same today, but not for F1 etc as you could then.
Now, In retirement I still go, as a member of Silverstone Racing Club, and invariably have a trusty Heuer 'on the dash' or wrist.