10TH RALLY EDITION: OCTOBER 8 – 18, 2025

#181

Yota Rewind

We came together through a shared passion for adventure and a drive to push ourselves in new ways. The Rebelle Rally felt like the perfect challenge—a chance to combine grit, curiosity, and teamwork in one unforgettable experience. Whether we’re turning wrenches, navigating trails, or backing each other up at work, we’ve built a strong, supportive team that knows how to get things done and have fun doing it.

Sponsored By:

Toyota Manufacturing North America

Leah Ruppe

Navigator

I am a dedicated mechanical engineer from a small town in southern Indiana, who is passionate about my job and enjoys reading and spending time with my family. As a mother of three, I value inclusivity and diversity, and I love seeing people live their best lives.

What is your occupation and what does that mean to you?

I'm a Senior Engineer at Toyota, teaming up with awesome design and manufacturing folks to make sure our next cars are exactly what customers want—and easy to build too. Fun fact: my very first car was a Toyota Corolla, and I've stuck with Toyota ever since! I'm still pretty new to this current role, but I'm pumped to be involved in creating new vehicles. Can't wait to see the vehicles we’ve been working on finally hit the market!

Residence:

Georgetown, KY

If you attended college or University where did you go and what was your major?

University of Louisville, B. S. in Mechanical Engineering

Favorite Quote:
Fun Fact:
Why the Rebelle? Why now?
Who, or what, inspires you most?
Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows
Greatest adventure to date?
What makes you tick, outside of work?

Outside of work, I spend majority of my time with my family. I have 2 young children, Reece and Taylor, and a step-daughter, Claire, who is starting college. I really enjoy seeing and interacting with their different personalities.

What is your background in motorsports, and how does that shape how you're approaching the Rebelle?

I first got started in motorsports back in high school with the super mileage team, and I've been hooked ever since! Lately, working at PE Motorsports has meant jumping into autocross, drag races, and even pitching in as crew for cool events like Lemons and One Lap of America. Every event has taught me a ton about how cars handle and how to tweak both vehicles and my driving style for better performance. It’s been awesome getting real hands-on experience and really pushing to see what cars (and I) can do!

Do you have any memorable moments with cars?

My interest in mechanical work was cultivated through experiences with my grandparents. One of my grandfather's became a farmer after leaving the army, and I gained considerable hands-on experience working alongside him and my uncles on tractors and full-sized trucks. I recall my first time rotating a tire on an F-250; after we had lifted the truck, my uncle handed me an impact wrench, demonstrated the rotation pattern, and then allowed me to attempt the task independently. Although it quickly became apparent that I could not match his efficiency, I adapted by utilizing alternative methods, such as leveraging my legs and feet, to achieve the same results.

Kate Thompson

Driver

I’m a nerd with a passion for continuous learning and hands-on problem solving—whether I’m in the office or at the track. Outside of work, I recharge in nature through kayaking, gardening, off-road driving, and supporting motorsports events.

What is your occupation and what does that mean to you?

I enjoy my role at Toyota, where continuous learning and technological exploration are part of the journey. Each day is a dynamic mix of strategic planning, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication. My focus is on bridging the gap between Manufacturing and IT, ensuring alignment and collaboration that drive successful project outcomes.

Residence:

Richmond, KY

If you attended college or University where did you go and what was your major?

Eastern Kentucky University, BA in Computer Science

Favorite Quote:

“Travel is not reward for working, it’s education for living.” — Anthony Bourdain

Fun Fact:

My cat named Gandalf is 21 pounds.

Why the Rebelle? Why now?

Working at Toyota, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be selected for this opportunity—and I’m diving in with full enthusiasm. The Rebelle Rally represents everything I love: challenge, adventure, and growth. Over the past year, I’ve focused on building my mechanical skills and getting more seat time to prepare for something just like this. The timing feels right—this is the perfect moment to push myself, apply what I’ve learned, and take on an experience that blends technical skill, endurance, communication, and teamwork in a truly unique way.

Who, or what, inspires you most?

What inspires me most? Learning new things—always! Even though schools behind me, I’m constantly diving into something new, whether it’s keeping up with tech at work, reading before bed, tinkering with cars, or picking up new driving skills just for the fun of it. I guess you could say curiosity is my favorite fuel.

Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows

Books – The Nightingale
Shows – The Peaky Blinders, Law and Order
Podcasts – Mel Robbins, Conan O’Brien

Greatest adventure to date?

My greatest adventure so far? Definitely raising my three kids. We’ve made so many memories outdoors—camping to unplug, hiking around Red River Gorge, and soaking up sunshine on the water. Watching them grow into young adults has been the most rewarding (and sometimes wild) ride of all.

What are your competition objectives and why?

I’m in it for the adventure—no doubt about that! But beyond the thrill of the unknown, this rally is a unique opportunity for personal growth. It challenges participants to sharpen their communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills in real-time, high-pressure situations. Whether it’s navigating unfamiliar terrain, making quick decisions, or working closely with a teammate, every moment pushes you to grow. For me, it’s about embracing the journey, learning through experience, and coming out stronger, more capable, and more connected on the other side.

What makes you tick, outside of work?

Outside of work, I spend a lot of time outdoors. Whether I’m kayaking or hiking, being in nature helps me reset and stay energized. I also enjoy gardening—it’s a slower, more intentional way to connect with the environment. Getting my hands in the soil and watching things grow is both calming and rewarding.

What is your background in motorsports, and how does that shape how you're approaching the Rebelle?

I’ve always loved the variety of cars and vehicles. I joined the PE Motorsports team within Toyota and have learned so much! It’s been an incredible learning experience, exposing me to a wide range of motor sports activities. I’ve participated in HPDE (High Performance Driver Education) training, drag racing, and autocross, and I’ve also had the opportunity to serve as crew at various events. Each experience has deepened my appreciation for performance engineering and the thrill of motorsports.

What kind of cool experiences do you have outside of the Rebelle?

Recently, I took a Dirt Fish training in Washington. It was so fun! I love adventures and road trips.

Do you have any memorable moments with cars?

Some of my favorite childhood memories are of the road trips I took with my dad. I was the designated navigator, flipping through paper maps and routing our course, and I proudly took on the role of DJ, curating the perfect soundtrack for the open road. Our trips often took us from Kentucky to Texas to visit family, and sometimes we’d haul cattle along the way. Those long drives were filled with stories, laughter, and quiet moments that taught me the joy of the journey as much as the destination.

Vehicle

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
We’re driving a 2024 Land Cruiser—a modern legend with deep roots. We chose it not just for its capability and reliability, but because we both share a love for the Land Cruiser’s rich history. To make it our own, we designed a custom wrap inspired by our mutual love of classic music and vintage vibes, blending nostalgia with off-road grit. It’s got personality, performance, and a whole lot of heart—just like our team.