The Hobbytown in Tucson is pretty good, I worked there for about 2 months in between jobs. If you think most guys there are making $10 hr think again!! If the same guys that worked there four years ago still work there you will need some patience with them. Just hanging out at the track and getting as much practice driving and wrenching on your car is the best thing you can do. Do they still try to race dirt oval in between the big poles? The owner Adam is a really nice guy, but he's just not there a lot as he has other businesses going on too.
Best of luck
Mark