diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
index d8c784dff831..512e47a53e9a 100644
--- a/Makefile
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 VERSION = 4
-PATCHLEVEL = 8
+PATCHLEVEL = 9
 SUBLEVEL = 0
-EXTRAVERSION =
+EXTRAVERSION = -rc1
 NAME = Psychotic Stoned Sheep
 
 # *DOCUMENTATION*