DIGEST : Tarzana’s Harper Third in NASCAR Sunbelt Drivers’ Standings

Will Harper of Tarzana is in third place among drivers in the Sunbelt Region of the $10 million NASCAR Winston Racing Series.

Harper, a two-time Sunbelt champion who races at Saugus Speedway, has 865 points with two wins in five starts. Erik Gibson of Tucson, Ariz., has won four of five races and leads with 890 points.

Harper, 35, is also Saugus’ Sportsman Division points leader. Last season, in the closest points race in Saugus’ 50-year history, Harper won his first title by a point over Keith Spangler of Northridge.

Instructional tennis clinics for players aged 8 to 18 and sponsored by the Southern California Tennis Assn. will begin July 9. The clinics will be held at 105 locations throughout Southern California.

Each participant will receive 18 hours of instruction, a T-shirt and a one-year U. S. Tennis Assn. membership. The $10 fee may be waived based on financial need.

Information: 213-208-3838.

John Tomac of Chatsworth was 22nd in Friday’s stage of cycling’s Tour of Italy, completing the 116.56 miles from Reggello to Marina di Pietrasanta in 4 hours 32 minutes 25 seconds, the same time as stage winner Stefano Allocchio of Italy.

Tomac remains 95th (and the top U. S. rider) in the overall standings, 31 minutes 24 seconds behind leader Gianni Bugno of Italy.