Monarchs promoter John Campbell described Ziebart's sudden withdrawal as a shattering blow but stressed that the club would definately operate this year. Campbell warned that admission prices may have to rise at Armadale this year unless a new sponsor can be found to replace Ziebart. Monarchs will also have to be involved in more fund raising measures and costs will have to be cut to ensure that the team can operate into the next millenium.

The planned modifications to the Arena will have to be postponed. In addition the transfer of Kevin Little and David McAllan from Berwick will likely be shelved for this season and the riders come on loan.

Any price hike would be a last resort. However, the promotion did not fear a backlash from the supporters.

"If the choice is having speedway in the year 2000 or not having it, I'd like to think that our fans would accept a price increase. But that would be our last option. At the moment we have an idea of what our admission prices will be. We may have to revise that. And we certainly won't announce anything until the day before we are due to open as we want to explore every avenue to find a new sponsor."

"Our plan to buy David and Kevin from Berwick may have to be renegotiated, and this could save us £4,000. They will come on loan instead."

Ziebart are the third company to quit on Monarchs prior to be start of a new season. Gulf Oil were the most recent example. Campbell added:

"I can't understand the logic, other than to gain publicity. If Ziebart had told us in October that they weren't going to continue their sponsrship, but we could use their name until we found new backers, that would have been fine. Now we have less than five weeks to even interest another company, let alone secure a deal."

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