Tom Turner, 41, has his eyes set on a sleek 638-horse power Corvette. It’s no wonder since this Victor, N.Y., car aficionado has been surrounded by ‘Vettes for as long as he can remember. But it’s not all about speed — Turner understands the need to slow down every once in a while and take in the world around him.

How’d you join the crip club?
I was born with spina bifida, and although my parents were originally told I only had few days to live, here I am over 40 years later! I credit much of my progress to a remarkable team of doctors that have gotten me through 19 surgeries thus far.

How’s the 9-to-5 treating you?
I handle all of the e-commerce and social media for our family business, Turner Automotive Corvette, and do the radio ads for it as well. I studied broadcast communications in college, so it’s a great way to stay involved on the radio waves.

What’s your weekend warrior battle plan?
I’m a big-time gear head — love of cars has been handed down through the generations. You can find me at a local dirt track race most weekends since we are a big sponsor of the races. Otherwise, you’ll find me glued to the NASCAR and drag races on TV.

What’s your motto?
“I’ll get there slowly but surely.”

Favorite book?
One of my favorite books is The Beak of the Finch. It’s this really interesting story about a husband and wife anthropologist team who travels to the Galapagos Islands to study Darwin’s theory of natural selection.

What’s on your bucket list?
Although I don’t think it’d be the best idea, I would love to try wheelchair bungee jumping! But in all seriousness, I want to set up a foundation to help those with spina bifida, because when I clock out of here, I hope to leave something behind for others.

SURPRISE ME
Although I absolutely want to make my way to the Daytona Speedway and be a spectator in the crowds, I’d have to say our family’s summer home in the Adirondacks has been my favorite vacation spot ever since I starting going there as a kid.

There is something about kicking back and relaxing at our place on Limekiln Lake that makes it the perfect retreat. You can escape all of the noise and stress of daily life and take in the quiet, serene atmosphere of the Adirondacks. We do relax, but we also stay active while on the lake. Boating, swimming and getting together with friends over a campfire are all part of our typical stay.

When I was younger we had 1950s-themed parties and everyone would come wearing poodle skirts or leather jackets. We’d play Chubby Checker on an old record player and light up the front yard for dancing.
Whether now or then, being surrounded by real people in such a real environment is priceless — you don’t find that just anywhere. And you know what? People can have their European or Caribbean vacations, but all I want to do is be with friends and family in the woods!