Team: Puppy Kitty Racing

Driver/Co-driver: Lydia Thompson

Driver/Co-driver: Jake O’Gorman

Car: 2018 Volkswagen Golf R

Division: Targa 2

Country: Canada

Lydia Thompson and Jake O’Gorman will share driving duties in Targa this fall.

Daughter fulfills father’s Targa dream

Jake and Lyd have been bosom buddies for 14 years. Jake is an actual car professional and Lydia has an insatiable need for speed. Once she learned how to drive manual (after a stint at Dirt Fish in 2018) they were literally off to the races, starting with Targa Bambina 2019 and dinking around with the occasional autocross outing.

Lydia and Jake in action at Targa Bambina 2019 (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)

The thirst was quenched temporarily, however, they had to wait several more years to save their cheddar for the next race. Finally, in May 2024 they tried their hand at TSD with the Spring Great Race Rally in Michigan. They won first in the rookie class, and placed 17th overall (of 50+ drivers). Technically great, but not fast enough for their tastes.

Jake and Lydia at the Great Race Spring Rally.

Lydia’s late dad, Wes Thompson, one of Jake’s BFFs, had built a car specifically for Targa Newfoundland, but unfortunately, between COVID and his untimely passing in 2024, was never able to complete the race. Jake and Lyd are driving this orange monstrosity in his (and his naviganus, Motor’s) honour. “The only goal here is to meet good people and have some fun (and push the speedo),” they say.

We’re looking forward to seeing the turbo pumpkin finally in action on the roads of Newfoundland this fall.

Key sponsors of PK Racing: “Excel Realty, Rumble Racing, The Vidler family, Nancy Thompson, social media coordinator Holly Wiebenga, supportive partner Allie Brydges and Reece and Levi Rumble for their unwavering support and sign-making. Special thanks to anyone shamelessly sneaking our stickers onto any available surface.” 

Follow them on Instagram: (@puppykittyracing) • Instagram photos and videos

The Golf R was on display in July at a cars and coffee event in Blenheim, Ontario. (Photo: Larry Strung)
Lydia Thompson will drive the car her father had built for Targa. (Photo: Larry Strung)
The late Wes Thompson had this VW Golf R built just for Targa but never got to run it in the rally.

Read about Wes Thompson: Former business leader Wes Thompson Jr. was a ‘Blenheim boy’ | Chatham Daily News

See a gallery showing how Dan Sprongl and Four Star Motorsports transformed the Golf R: https://www.fourstarmotorsports.com/2018-vw-golf-r/e7zjb82e154s5paqynrbefuxh4k52w