Tributes flow for long-time volunteer official for SEQ drag racing

Drag racing in Ipswich has “lost some of it’s soul” after the passing of a decades-long volunteer official.

Long-serving Winternationals official Margaret Kreis has passed away.

SEQ drag racing has lost a legend, with the passing of long-time volunteer official, Margaret Kreis.

Ms Kreis was a dedicated drag racing volunteer for close to 50 years, starting as an official at Surfers Paradise International Raceway in 1977.

She moved to Willowbank Raceway in Ipswich in 1985 where she remained as a volunteer official and “heartbeat” of the track for nearly four decades, according to a statement from Willowbank Raceway.

“Margie wasn’t just a volunteer official. She was a cornerstone of our community, a vibrant presence who touched the lives of everyone she met,” the statement said.

“Her passion and commitment were unmatched, especially as the bracket marshal for Modified Eliminator at Willowbank. Margie poured her heart and soul into every race day.

“Margie wasn’t just a volunteer; she was family; our friend, and her legacy will forever be a part of Willowbank Raceway.”

Last year Kreis’ dedication was honoured through the renaming of the Willowbank Raceway staging lanes hut to “Margie’s Place”.

“Our sport has lost some of it’s soul with her passing and my home track will never be the same,” Mark Thomas commented on the Willowbank Raceway Facebook page.

“Going to miss you so much at the Street Series Margie,” commented Dave Jones, “Will miss you lecturing me on having to replace my helmet and to get my paperwork right 😆 Rest in Peace.”