He’s been quiet. He’s been too quiet.

Now, The Outlaw is back.

After seeing his name dragged through the dirt much of the past year, culminating with his divorce from Academy Award-winning actress Sandra Bullock, bad-boy Jesse James is getting ready to hit the dirt, literally.

The longtime custom motorcycle builder and star of such television shows as “Monster Garage” and “Jesse James is a Dead Man,” James has decided to turn his complete attention to off-road truck racing.

He has partnered with Scottsdale-based Potts Racing and will compete in the full 2011 Lucas Oil Off Road Series schedule, starting in the Valley with his debut March 18-20 at Firebird International Raceway.

The Heat Index caught up with the colorful celebrity on Thursday during a phone conversation to discuss racing, his other desires, and the next chapter in his life.

By Bob McManaman – The Arizona Republic

Last year was painful and bittersweet, James said. He split with Bullock, ended his reality shows and closed the door on his West Coast Choppers empire. He needed a new outlet to release his rage and thrill seeking ways.

“I’ve been working 15 hours a day, seven days a week for the past 17 years,” James, 41, said, “so I put my time in and now I just want to have fun and do what I want to do.

“I still love to build stuff and I’m still passionate about my craft, but I really like to race and it seems like everything always got in the way of me racing.”

Why off-road racing? Well, to put it bluntly, Jesse James thinks stock-car racing is a waste of time. He’s tried it, running in the Winston West and Craftsman Truck series, and it didn’t give him enough of a rush.

“It’s (expletive) boring, man,” he said. “In NASCAR and that type of racing, your mind has the chance to wander . . . . I mean, you’re just going around in a (expletive) circle.

“Trust me, as boring as NASCAR is to watch, it’s 10 times more boring to drive it. In off road, you can’t let your mind wander, not even for a split second, or you’re done.”

The event at Firebird should be particularly interesting for James because of its short-track style, which will invite wild, side-by-side racing. The competition will be equally as dubious, he notes.

“Half the guys I’m really, really good friends with, which is going to make for great racing because we’re going to want to (expletive) each other up,” he said. “The other half are probably going to despise me because I’ve been on TV, so they’ll be like, ‘I’m going to show this guy.’ It’ll be good.”

James is unsure if his new finance, tattoo artist Kat Von D, will be in attendance. However, he said he’s looking forward to racing here, which will include two stops at Speedworld Raceway Park and another at Firebird in December.

“I’m totally into this, man,” James said, adding his association with Craig Potts and Potts Racing was the key. “Oh, they’re the best, just pure enthusiasm. I had a lot of different offers, but Craig is totally into it as much as I am. I didn’t want someone who was just all about money and sponsors; I wanted someone who’s in it because they truly love it.”

When he was younger, James’ real passion was football. A Parade All-American in Southern California, where he starred as a 6-foot-3, 220-pound outside linebacker, he envisioned a nice college career and maybe even a shot at the NFL.

But then he went to jail, one of numerous visits he would make, in fact.

“Yeah, I really regret it,” he said. “Things worked out all right for me, but if I could go back and do well and get a scholarship to a big-time school, I would have done that.

“But hey, (expletive) happens. I’m good. I’m happy. And now, I have time to do all the stuff I want to do instead of doing all the stuff I was forced to do.”

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West Coast Choppers CEO Committed to Full 2011 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Schedule

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – October 4, 2010 – Potts Racing announced today that it has signed West Coast Choppers Chief Executive Officer and noted television personality Jesse James to race for its team for the full 2011 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series schedule.

“We are excited to have Jesse with us and we are confident that he will bring us several podium finishes in 2011,” said Potts Racing team owner Craig Potts. “Potts Racing is looking forward to having Jesse on board not only for his past racing experience but his desire to prove himself as a premiere Pro 2 driver.”

Jesse has committed to the entire 2011 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series as well as two additional races in Crandon, Wisconsin. He will be accompanied by fellow Potts Racing drivers Craig Potts, Curt Potts, Cole Potts and Mike Mastro (of nationally known Mastro’s Restaurants). Along with the Lucas Series, Potts Racing will also race their Trophy Truck in the SCORE and Best in the Desert off-road racing leagues. Potts Racing is based in Scottsdale, Arizona with offices in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In addition to founding the world-famous West Coast Choppers, Jesse has been host of the long-running Discovery Channel series Monster Garage, as well as the recent Spike TV hit Jesse James is a Dead Man. He is also the publisher of the quarterly Garage Magazine.

“I’m at a point in life where all I want to do is race,” said Jesse James, when asked about this new chapter in his life. “I’m ready to commit to this sport 100% and prove myself as a real competitor. I am thankful Potts Racing has given me the opportunity to be part of their team.”

For media information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Nick Mazzio at (480) 862-5765. Further information on Potts Racing can be viewed on its website at www.pottsracing.com