I started out working for room and board on a few race teams. Then new car get ready, and then finally some more schooling. There's a certain amount of dues paying in being a mechanic. and there's a huge difference in being a mechanic, and being a parts exchanger. Logical thought and diagnostics, take time to develope. If you have a passion and really enjoy it, then you can make ALOT of money as a line or heavy line mechanic. Trouble is your wrists, and knees will pay for the abuse of air tools, and being on concrete floors all day. So 1/2 way thru your career think about going into being shop foreman or service manager, it's not really a career you can rely on retiring from, IMO.
If your young and without the ties of marriage, then maybe a race team might be the way to go. Depending on who you're with you can gain lots of experience real quick in the racing world. But, the hours are long, and the pay usually is miserable.