In his first single seater test, Joe broke the lap record at Palmersport's test venue, a record held by Justin Wilson of F1 and Champ Car fame.

After such a phenomenal showing on his debut outing, Joe set about the arduous task of finding the necessary funding to compete in the 2005 European Formula Palmer Audi Championship. After selling his racing Mini to fund his first meeting, Joe competed in the Championship's opening round at Oulton Park. He certainly made his mark taking a win, a third, two fastest laps and setting a new lap record.

His dogged determination continued to shine through, and after fifteen rounds, Joe Tandy clinched the Championship, having had eleven podium finished - a staggering six of which were wins. Very impressive, and all in his very first year of single seater racing.