Before you get too head long into this idea of racing, ask yourself what's the point? Seriously, how does it enhance your life, your well being? In what way does it edify you?
These are the questions I asked myself the moments before I stepped away from racing because the answer to every question was not what I expected them to be. Let me tell ya, after your first crash you will be asking these questions, or at least should be! 50 does not heal like 20.
Riding with a fast group of fellas once or twice a week is enough to keep your fitness in top form. If it is for ego, let it go, bro.