Motor racing-Webber joins fundraiser for injured Kiwi racer

LONDON Aug 31 (Reuters) - Formula One world title contender Mark Webber is leading a fund-raising effort to help New Zealander Chris Van der Drift recover from an horrific crash at Brands Hatch this month.

The Australian, who broke his leg in a 2008 cycling accident and this season walked away from a spectacular crash in Valencia when his Red Bull lifted high into the air, will join young racers at a karting endurance event in Milton Keynes next Tuesday.

Van der Drift, 24, suffered multiple fractures when his Superleague Formula car was launched into the air at 252kph, hitting an overhead bridge and bursting into flames. Now recovering, he requires funds for specialist treatment.

"It's really humbling to see so many good friends from within the industry support me through this difficult period," Van der Drift said in a statement.

(Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Ed Osmond. To query or comment on this story email: sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)