Ian James has taken pole position for today’s Pirelli World Challenge GTS Sprint race at Watkins Glen International.

The Team Panoz Racing driver recorded a best time of 1:55.040 in the No. 50 Panoz Avezzano GT4, outpacing the No. 55 PF Racing Ford Mustang GT4 of Jade Buford by 0.140 seconds.

James’ time came late in the 20-minute session, which had been topped at the time by Buford.

It marked the Englishman’s fourth pole of the season.

Defending series champion Lawson Aschenbach will start third in the No. 1 Blackdog Speed Shop Chevrolet Camaro GT4.R, ahead of Patrick Gallagher, who is in the freshly built No. 10 PF Mustang GT4 this weekend.

Harry Gottsacker completed the top-five in the No. 69 Racers Edge Motorsports SIN R1 GT4.

There was drama for championship leader James Sofronas, who had a left-rear puncture following his qualifying lap.

Sofronas will roll off from 9th on the grid.

Jeff Courtney, meanwhile, edged out Mike Hedlund to take GTSA pole honors in the No. 99 JCR Motorsports Maserati GT4.

Race 1 for GTS Sprint competitors gets underway at 4:10 p.m. EDT, with live coverage on World-Challenge.com.

RESULTS: Qualifying