Welcome to the server! You're not late at all. We have new people join all the time.
http://wiki.project1999.com/Players:Newbie
^ that guide may help answer any questions you have and has information on picking a race/class.
The short answer is play the race/class you want.
Finding groups is more about location than your class. Granted the holy trinity (healer, tank, crowd control) will always be in demand but you should be able to find a group as any class.
The only specific advise I have is that if you choose Necromancer for your 1st character (a common choice among new players) you should pick Iksar.
It's not just the Regen and awesome looks. But Iksars can get a ton of Bone chips from fighting in the Field of Bone and then Kurns tower. Those sell well to players in EC.