I just got this email from redhat


We've recently made some changes to Red Hat Network based on survey
data that we received from you. We found that two items of extreme
interest to our users are early release of Red Hat Linux ISOs and
improved technical support.

Beginning March 31st, paid subscribers to Red Hat Network will have
access to Red Hat Linux 9 ISOs - a full week before retail store and
Red Hat FTP availability. Also, Red Hat Network subscribers will
receive dedicated Red Hat Network Technical Support. For more
information about the benefits of being a Red Hat Network Subscriber,
go to:

http://www.redhat.com/software/rhn/offerings/

If you would like to purchase a Red Hat Network subscription, go to:

https://rhn.redhat.com/network/sales/

Thanks again for using Red Hat Linux. We appreciate any and all
feedback from our users and hope you continue to enjoy your
complimentary account with Red Hat Network. If you would like to
contact us regarding this e-mail, the services offered by Red Hat
Network, or with feedback, please go to:

https://rhn.redhat.com/help/contact.pxt

Thank you again for using Red Hat Linux, and for your continued
support of the Open Source community.

--the Red Hat Network team
#

Here is some futher links
http://www.redhat.com/index2.html
http://www.redhat.com/mktg/rh9iso/

So it seems that the name Redhat 8.1(Which has been in beta testing for a while under the name Phoebe) has been skipped and the new version will be called 9 instead Although I am not sure on there motives for going straight to 9, I am looking forward to the release