A pair of Naples entrepreneurs is seeking approval to transform a longtime automotive testing facility in eastern Collier County into Hyper Club, a private motorsports community with new driving circuits, vehicle storage, resort-style amenities and up to 100 residences.
The project is proposed for the 542-acre Florida Evaluation Center near Interstate 75 and DeSoto Boulevard South. The secure facility has operated since 1985 and was originally developed for Ford Motor Co.
What Is Hyper Club?
Hyper Club is envisioned as a private membership club where automotive enthusiasts can drive, store and enjoy their vehicles while spending time with family and guests.
The project is being developed by Hyper Club LLC, founded by Naples businessmen Bruce Bond and John DeAngelis.
Naples Racing Resort LLC purchased the property at 5301 34th Avenue SE in March 2024 for $10 million, according to Collier County property records.
The site has previously been used by automotive manufacturers and racing organizations, including Ford, Harley-Davidson, Chrysler and IndyCar teams.
What Would the Project Include?
County planning records identify the proposal as the Naples Racing Resort Planned Unit Development Amendment.
The developers are requesting approval for:
- Up to 100 residential units
- Up to 20 transient lodging units
- A private membership club
- Individual vehicle-storage units
- Two redesigned performance-driving circuits
- A clubhouse with dining and wellness amenities
- A swimming pool and pickleball courts
- Continued operation of the existing cell tower
The plans also include 10 lodging casitas intended to help accommodate automotive manufacturers conducting testing at the facility.
New Driving Circuits and Vehicle Condominiums
The project would add two interconnected performance circuits designed by Apex Circuit Design, the firm involved in the Miami Formula 1 circuit.
The property’s existing 2.1-mile straightaway would remain.
Hyper Club would also include vehicle condominiums where members could securely store cars and related equipment.
Public Safety Facility Proposed
Plans include a 35,000-square-foot public safety facility on approximately four acres.
Potential uses could include K-9 training areas, an indoor shooting range and other resources for public safety agencies.
Open Space and Environmental Concerns
The developers say more than 70% of the property would remain open space, including wetlands, lakes, native vegetation and natural buffers. The existing perimeter fence would also remain.
However, the project has drawn opposition from environmental advocates.
The South Florida Wildlands Association submitted a petition and comments to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers asking the agency to deny the project’s federal wetlands permit. The petition had gathered nearly 8,900 signatures as of August 4.
The group argues the project could affect approximately 142 acres of wetlands and threaten habitat used by the endangered Florida panther and other protected species.
Additional concerns include traffic, noise, lighting and increased human activity near conservation lands and the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge.
Is Hyper Club Approved?
No. Hyper Club remains a proposed development.
The project must undergo reviews by Collier County, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other state and federal agencies.
The Army Corps is evaluating potential impacts to wetlands and wildlife in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The county will also review the requested land-use changes, revised master plan, infrastructure and environmental protections before any final approvals are granted.
A New Kind of Private Community
If approved, Hyper Club would introduce a unique form of luxury development to Southwest Florida.
Rather than being centered around golf, boating or beachfront access, the private community would focus on motorsports, vehicle ownership and automotive experiences.
The project could preserve the site’s longtime automotive use while adding modern driving facilities, private residences and resort-style amenities. Its future, however, will depend on the approval process and how environmental concerns are addressed.
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