By Lewis Franck

INDIANAPOLIS (Reuters) - Brazilian Helio Castroneves went from the courthouse to center stage on Saturday grabbing the pole for the Indianapolis 500.

It marks the third time Castroneves has started the 500 from pole position and comes just three weeks after he was acquitted of tax evasion charges.

Twice a winner at the famed Brickyard, Castroneves powered his Penske around the 2.5 mile oval in a four-lap average speed of 224.864 mph, nosing out Australian team mate Ryan Briscoe of Australia on 224.131mph.

Scotland's Dario Franchitti, the 2007 winner, occupies the outside of Row One after clocking the third best time of 224.010 on a windy day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Tears flowed down Castroneves cheeks as the gun sounded to signify the end of the first day of qualifying for what Americans bill the "greatest spectacle in racing."

Just 22 days ago, Castroneves was facing a lengthy jail sentence for tax evasion but was acquitted on all six counts in a Florida court and able to resume his racing career.

"This is just incredible, the car was just phenomenal," Castroneves told reporters. "Captain Roger (team owner Roger Penske) is just incredible.

"The guy gave me the opportunity again to do what I love most which is race ... And here I am, in Indy, in the best place in the world."

It was the 15th pole for Team Penske, bidding for a record 15th Indy title on May 24.

The team has qualified three cars in the first 10, with Australian Will Power the ninth fastest.

"It's a great day for Penske racing, to see three cars in the first three rows. It's been a long time since we had one and two," said Penske.

"It's ironic to see Helio comeback here, this is his home track and after the adversity he has been through to be able to show what he can do with his right foot.

New Zealand's Scott Dixon, who won last year's 500 from the pole, could do no better than fifth and will start in the middle of row two between Brazil's Tony Kanaan and American Graham Rahal.

IndyCar's most popular driver, Danica Patrick, used two attempts and qualified 10th with 222.882 mph.

Qualifying continues on Sunday and next weekend until the 33-car grid is full.

(Editing by Steve Keating and Ian Ransom; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)