The Hyper Club files application to create private motorsports club in eastern Collier County

The Hyper Club has filed an application with Collier County seeking approval to develop Hyper Club, a world-class motorsports lifestyle destination that builds upon the site’s established automotive history while maintaining its low-density character and natural landscape.

The application proposes transforming the historic Florida Evaluation Center, a testing facility originally developed by Ford Motor Company in 1985, into a private motorsports lifestyle amenity designed for automotive enthusiasts, collectors and their families, further expanding Southwest Florida’s recreation and lifestyle offerings. If approved by the Collier Board of County Commissioners, the project would expand the property’s existing uses, while preserving the site’s 40-year legacy as one of the nation’s premier performance and testing facilities.

Founded by Naples businessmen and automotive enthusiasts Bruce Bond and John DeAngelis, Hyper Club was created from a shared vision to develop a purpose-built environment where members can safely drive, store and enjoy their vehicles while connecting with others who share their passion. Inspired by private club models found in golf and yachting, Hyper Club is envisioned as a community centered not only on driving, but also on family, hospitality and camaraderie.

“For more than four decades, this property has played an important role in automotive testing and innovation,” said Bond. “Our vision is to thoughtfully build upon that legacy by creating a private destination where enthusiasts can enjoy their vehicles in a safe, professionally managed environment while respecting the property’s history, maintaining the natural environment and remaining compatible with the surrounding community.”

Located near Interstate 75 and DeSoto Boulevard South, the 542-acre property has continuously operated as a secure, fenced automotive testing facility since 1985, serving manufacturers and performance users, including Ford Motor Company, Harley-Davidson, Chrysler and IndyCar teams.

The proposal is intentionally designed as a low-density private club, with membership limited to provide controlled access, uncrowded driving experiences and a predictable operating environment. It builds on automotive uses already permitted on the property, while introducing lifestyle amenities, limited residential accommodations and a long-term public safety partnership.

Key features include:

• Two 2-mile performance circuits designed by Apex Circuit Design, the internationally recognized firm behind the Miami Formula 1 circuit, which can operate independently or combine into a continuous 4.2-mile circuit.
• Preservation of the site’s historic 2.1-mile straightaway.
• Vehicle condominiums for secure automobile storage.
• A private clubhouse with dining, resort-style amenities, pool, pickleball courts, wellness facilities and member gathering spaces.
• Limited residential opportunities tied exclusively to club membership, including 10 lodging casitas designed to accommodate manufacturer testing activities.
• Approximately four acres reserved for a 35,000-square-foot public safety facility, including K-9 training areas, an indoor shooting range and additional public safety resources.

More than 70% of the property will be retained as Florida habitat and open space, including existing lakes, native vegetation, natural buffers and protected areas that help maintain separation from surrounding properties. The property’s existing perimeter fence will remain in place, to help maintain a safe and secure animal-free environment that has existed throughout its 40-year history.

“Our vision is to create a private club where automotive enthusiasts and their families can gather, learn, relax and build lasting relationships around a shared passion,” said DeAngelis. “Every aspect of this project has been thoughtfully designed to respect the property’s history and natural surroundings to create something truly unique for Southwest Florida.”

The application to Collier County is part of a comprehensive, multi-agency public review process. In addition to the application filed with Collier County, The Hyper Club LLC has submitted an application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for federal review.