MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Minnesota native Ryan Dungey, a rising star in the world of motocross racing, dropped in for a visit to WCCO-TV Thursday morning.

Dungey, who has become one of the most successful riders ever in just the span of the last two and a half years, was on set to talk about a pair of upcoming events he’s connected with in his home state.

One of the events is the Minnesota Major River-to-River Ride, which is on Sunday, July 15, starting at 8 a.m. You have the choice of riding 62 or 25 miles. The entrance fee is $50, and that money goes to a cause close to Dungey’s heart.

“Basically 100 percent of the proceeds go to St. Jude Children’s Hospital,” Dungey said. “It’s just a great opportunity.”

Dungey said one of the motivating moments in his life for taking part in this charitable event was the death of his grandmother. She died of cancer in 2005.

“The idea of giving back was a great opportunity,” said Dungey.

The ride goes through the St. Croix and Mississippi River valleys.

Belle Plaine native Dungey, 22, is currently tied for fourth in all-time career wins in motocross events, and the other event this coming weekend could put another feather in his cap.

The Spring Creek National Motocross event is in Millville on Saturday, July 14. It starts at 1 p.m.

“I hope to keep winning,” said Dungey. “It’s something I enjoy doing. As long as I enjoy it, I’ll be there.”