Parking has been an issue at San Diego State for decades, but that’s not why four cars are double-parked in the courtyard and concourse areas at Viejas Arena this weekend.

The race cars, including one SDSU-branded car with the “SD” spear logo on the doors and Jumpman logo on the hood, are part of a NASCAR promotion bringing attention to the June 19-21 racing weekend at Naval Base Coronado.

“I’ve watched some NASCAR, and it’s exciting to have it coming to San Diego,” said SDSU coach Brian Dutcher, who named El Cajon’s Jimmie Johnson as his favorite driver. “That will be as good as it is. I know they’re parking an Aztec car up here today. I’ll go and try to get a picture with it.”

The promotion includes 23XI rally towels given to the first 5,000 fans in attendance for Saturday night’s Mountain West game against Nevada at Viejas Arena. 23XI Racing is co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, whose Jumpman brand is worn by the Aztecs.

After posing for a picture following Friday’s practice, maybe Dutcher will get a chance to sit behind the wheel. The coach doesn’t seem too inclined to rev the engine or take the car out on the track, however.

“I’m a pretty conservative driver,” said Dutcher, who is cruising around in a new Volkswagen Atlas SUV. “I use my turn signals. I drove a little faster when I was younger, but I forget those days.”

Asked what is the fastest he’s ever driven, Dutcher said, “I’m a speed limit guy, which is generally 10 miles over the posted limit here in California. You drive the speed limit here, you run the risk of being injured.”

Though he may be conservative, driving is one area where Dutcher said he prefers life in the fast lane.

“I like the fast lane; then there’s no one merging from one of the sides,” he said. “In the middle, you run the risk of both sides merging in on you, so I like to be far lane, fast lane.”

When it was suggested that driving the speed limit and occupying the fast lane seem at odds with each other, Dutcher said, “I’m going fast enough for the fast lane.”

If he ever gets pulled over, Dutcher has an explanation at the ready: “Officer, I’m going with the flow of traffic.”

Good luck with that.