The veteran of ''seven or eight'' Targa rallies said it was exciting it would be staged in the South Island for the first time in its 20-year history.
Mr Mehrtens was one of about 60 people taking part in a training day for Targa rally drivers at Highlands Motorsport Park at Cromwell on Saturday. The day was a great new initiative, he said.
''Safety is paramount, and so is fun, of course, but they can go together.
''A training day like this is a good introduction to the event.''
Mr Mehrtens will race his Mercedes Benz Black series car in the event. He says the excitement of competing never wanes.
''You still get a buzz and it's neat to see new people coming along, a few who are nervous, but they'll discover how cool it is to be part of the Targa.
''It's not about money, it's about the challenge and camaraderie, it's about starting and finishing. You get respect for starting the event and more respect if you manage to finish it.''
It was a privilege to have the ''world-class'' rally in the South Island.
''It's a bit of a travelling circus, with more than a 1000 people following it all the way, so the spin-offs for the economy are huge.
''As for the people taking part, it's a privilege for us to do this and it's so cool ... scary, but fun at the same time.''
Highlands business development officer Josie Spillane said the training day included a classroom session in the morning, followed by a tour around Cromwell and then a closed stage on the motorsport park's circuit.
The day attracted people from all over New Zealand and many of those taking part were first-time rally competitors. Highlands owner Tony Quinn, a five-time winner of the Targa rally, was a guest speaker.
''Obviously, Highlands is an advocate for motorsport in New Zealand, so we're proud to play our part in making the Targa a success in the South Island,'' Mrs Spillane said.
The rally, from Monday, October 27, to Saturday, November 1, includes special stages near Dunedin, Lawrence, Glenorchy and at Highlands.
