SUITE SENSATION

For former racing driver Romeo Kapudija, precision never retired with the helmet. Luxe Corsa is his next circuit drawn in glass, steel, and intent.

North Barrington’s Romeo Kapudija is gearing up for a milestone year in 2026, one that balances the personal and professional with precision and performance. The former professional racing driver will marry fiancée Caroline Cerbus in Split, Croatia, while simultaneously unveiling Luxe Corsa Auto Suites, a 21-acre automotive sanctuary on Rand Road in Lake Zurich, Illinois.

“Corsa” means “race” in Italian, but its Latin roots evoke mastery and precision—principles that have defined Kapudija’s life. Luxe Corsa is envisioned as a car culture campus: part private club, part engineering cathedral, and part art installation. The campus will feature 11 buildings with 121 bespoke auto suites, plus a 20,000-square-foot clubhouse with bourbon and cigar rooms, a tranquillity spa, offices, high-tech conference suites, and racing and golf simulators. Pedestrian paths wind through manicured grounds, and partnerships with a hypercar dealership and a Formula 1 team are in the works. Imperial Moto Café will bring its signature espresso-and-octane community experience to the Midwest.

Kapudija’s obsession with speed began at age seven on BMX tracks, evolving into open-wheel racing in his teens. He debuted in the Toyota Atlantic Series at the Long Beach Grand Prix, raced in CART events, and competed in the American Le Mans Series’ GTC class, earning a second-place finish at the 12 Hours of Sebring. At 6-foot-2, he defied the archetype of the lightweight driver, yet his smooth, precise touch behind the wheel earned him a reputation for finesse and focus.

Born to Croatian immigrants, Kapudija also inherited a knack for building. With his father’s guidance, he started a development company, creating award-winning residential spaces—including church and school conversions—and collaborated with celebrity chef Fabio Viviani on LAGO, a 2024 Italian steakhouse. He also co-owns Paintball Explosion, a growing business expanding to Gurnee in 2026. “Both racing and development are about reading conditions and reacting fast,” he says.

Kapudija and Cerbus, a former state-champion goalkeeper turned marketing entrepreneur, met in 1995. Today, she is Luxe Corsa’s Director of Sales and Marketing and his creative counterbalance. “Romeo’s the visionary; I make sure the wheels stay on the ground,” she says. Together, they have crafted a project that reflects both imagination and discipline.

Every detail of Luxe Corsa bears Kapudija’s personal imprint. The main thoroughfare, Road America Lane, honors his favorite Wisconsin track, while the campus’s sculptural design evokes the sleek lines of a grand-touring car. Suites are customizable, with glass walls for viewing and climate-controlled bays for car preservation. “We’re honoring the collector’s passion, but also creating a space worthy of that passion,” Kapudija explains.

Beyond cars, Luxe Corsa emphasizes community. The inclusion of Imperial Moto Café encourages conversation, camaraderie, and shared experiences. Kapudija credits the Village of Lake Zurich’s leadership, including Mayor Tom Poynton, for supporting the vision. With investors like the Duchossois and Fortino families, the project is grounded in legacy and purpose.

“Racing taught me precision; development taught me patience. This place joins the two,” Kapudija reflects. Set to open in 2026, Luxe Corsa promises to blend speed and sophistication, offering a destination where car culture and architecture converge.

Cerbus calls it their shared masterpiece: “When I see the designs, the spaces, the energy, I think—this is us. It’s everything we love, built to last.” Kapudija adds, “I’ve driven with legends. Now I get to build something for the next generation of dreamers. That’s the real victory.”

In 2026, he will cross two finish lines—one with Caroline in Croatia, the other in Lake Zurich—both celebrating precision, performance, and heart.