Want to Race but have questions

I am a 37 year old man that has always had a passion for cycling and is finally ready to start racing. I am unclear on a few things;
1. When does the racing season start and end?
2. What catagory would a 37 year old man that has never raced fall in to? and
3. What type of races should I enter in order to move up to eventually Cat 1?
I appreciate any advice you have to offer.

1. Depends upon the climate in your area. Races usually happen during the spring to summer months, tailing off in the fall. Cyclocross is a fall to winter discipline.
2. (Assuming USA) Cat 5 is the beginner category, regardless of age.
3. Any and all. That's a long road at your age, and you'll need a lot of experience to make it to that level (if you ever do).

(Again, assuming USA) Go to www.usacycling.org for lots more info and a race calendar for your area.

Thanks for your help. Sorry I didn't clarify, yes in USA.

Google some of the local bike clubs in your area and see if there's anything local. Most clubs have a midweek paceline that degenerates into a 'every man for himself' scramble for wheels that's good training for racing... Obviously, some clubs have a more of a reputation for a certain type of cycling. If you want to eat, breathe and sleep racing find a club that caters for that. There may be some lower key mid week events too.

... and with regards to the first point - you're never ready to start racing. There'll nearly always be someone out there that's gonna rip your legs off at some point during the race. If you've been training with a power meter and have some idea what your FTP is, you might find that your FTP is way higher than what's judged to be average for Cat5 or Cat4 - but there'll be some guy down there who's not ridden in years, is now classified as a Cat5 but has the ability to knock out over 400 watts for more than 10 minutes and can handle a bike like it's on rails... but that's part of the "fun" right.

Good luck. Enjoy.

Yes this will always happen from time to time, as l found out afterwards a guy who podiumed at a race l did on sunday hadn't raced in years but was making a comeback and had previously ridden in some big races including the Sun Tour and he started in the limit group, which for you non Aussies was Cat 4.
At least l was in good company lucky l only found out afterwards or l might have given up trying because l was in a world of hurt in the last 30min.

Thanks for your advice, I recently joined one of the local clubs and intend to check into some of the rides as you have suggested. As for a power meter I need one but I have to pace my wallet, after a few recent purchases for my bikes one being the Garmin Edge 705 for that purpose specifically so maby a month or two and I can get it past the wife. Once again thanks for your help.