Considering how full the game is of species at conflict, I'm not sure what you want to achieve by calling them races. You can call them races. Nobody cares. The benefit of doubling down one term is beyond me, though. As mentioned, D&D is not consistent with our framework of distinctions in the area of race and species.
Most people believe black people are one race and not incredibly (relatively) genetically diverse. Leading to tons and tons of races... who happen to have dark skin. Just an example of how close races are supposed to be related. Science and pop culture aren't friends.
The term race is D&D specific, to make sense, and so is species (remember that interbreeding). They are both shit in the realm of "facts don't have feelings". It's one inaccurate word or the other. The use of either doesn't change how you view societal conflict in D&D. It's pedantry.
