Owners Bio.      

Mission Statement

My passion for Motor Racing and the amazing GT Cars of the 60's has been burning in me since childhood. My Dads influence is where it started and has fueled my fire for over 40 years. I still have the Chaparral 2D slot car he got me when I was 11. I've been staring at it since.

I raced motorcycles and Enduro karts as a kid, which lead into cars. Aspiring to be a driver, it became clear my place in racing was in the preparation side of things.

I was fortunate enough to see the last F 5000 Race at Mid Ohio. I saw Al Unser chase Brian Redman. It changed my life. Niki Lauda and Mario Andretti at the Glen and I was off to the West Coast to find a place in racing. Here's my Scrapbook.

My years in racing are a treasure. I was around some incredible talent. The cars are a medium between the people that make up Motorsports. I always had a master to go to for answers. Dennis Aase, John Morton, Max Balchowski, Doane Spencer......

My desire for a family and a "normal" life after the years of traveling brought me back home to Ohio. I started welding and fabricating on my own. In 1990, at a turning point one night, praying for direction I heard the go ahead to start Active Power. Beth and I married in 1993. Through the years Active Power has provided for the Ardern Family.

Along with my passion for racing I'd always been fasinated by the Kit Car Industry. In '96 I saw an idea materialize in "The Urban Gorilla".  A replica of the Military 998 fitted to a Suburban Chassis. This established us in the Kit Car Business.

That lead to the Hot Rods.

"The Street Rod guys are brutal.  Quality fiberglass is esential and my involvment with the Hot Rods has taught me the composite business"

Since I left California I've been planning GT Reproductions. With the indications of the market and my experience level where it is I felt the time had come to enter the GT Replica Arena.  I am excited to be living my dream and will look forward to seeing you at the races this year. Please don't hesitate to call or E Mail us with your questions. We'll look forward to hearing from you.

Chris Ardern

Pres. Active Power Inc.

Active Power Inc. is a small group of professionals who take pride in their work and are commited to delivering the best quality product possible, everytime. We don't use high pressure sales or make empty promises. We know that you are trusting us with your dream. That's a privledge we don't abuse.

Chris and Beth, Sarah, Kip, Holly, and Annie. "I count my blessings every day being able to support this group and follow my dreams. My goal is to be a man of integrity. My Christian principles come first "