Like it’s been mentioned – the best way to figure out if you’re ready is to go out and try a race. Depending on the format of the race, you can end up chatting with some friendly fellow bikers (with far nicer bikes 🙂 ), and at the end of the day they are a great challenge and great fun. Regardless of the results in your first races, I’d encourage you to try again the next year as I’d say races really help one improve on their skills/try new and different trails.
By the sounds of it, perhaps an enduro event might be more to your liking?
Cheers!