When I was circle burnin' , I'd tow down off the mountain some 100 miles, unload, set up my pit, pre race check the car, practice, time trial, and race all solo. I ALWAYS helped out other racers in the nearby pit slots if I could and they helped me when needed. HOWEVER, no one outside the crew(1 or more) of the actual car does things EXACTLY the way it needs to be done. I sure did appreciate the help though as they did mine. I think there is more of 'a helping hand' between actual RACERS than just folks in general and the racer.
It also boils down to knowing WHAT needs to be done and only actually having been 'there' does one GET that knowledge. And that also includes knowing when to just stand back and let the racer do it him/her self.