Welcome Jerry !!!
Come on !!! If you are planning on racing you are going to have to put your foot down and show the missus who is boss (her) and after that ask here nicely for permission to enjoy yourself before it's too late. Tell her it's good for your fitness and a good release for all the shit you encounter on the job etc etc. Besides it's a good activity to get her involved in and she can flag, lol !
I'm also 51 and having the BEST years of my life - honest. But then I'm separated lol !!! Nah, really the new lady is behind me 100% (actually so was my old one to be honest) so I make the most of things.
Firey's rule !
Dave Mac