Apparently, it's OK to adjust "heading and timing" to skew the outbound track of a hold, as we all do, but not to adjust "heading and timing" to skew the outbound track of a course reversal, despite the same words
A racetrack is not a reversal procedure - it is a racetrack procedure. If using a racetrack procedure then you make the appropriate adjustments similar to the hold but remember that when the outbound timing is greather than 1 minute, you will only use single drift i.e. you will try to acurately follow the required track after 1 minute outbound.
Ask yourself why you use tripple drift outbound in the hold - the answer is to correct for wind efect in 1 the outbound turn, 2 then outbound leg and 3 the inbound turn.
On a reversal procedure (which can be a 45/180 or 80/260 procedure turn or a base turn) where the base leg procedure is used, you do not have an outbound turn to allow for, you will have track guidance provided (which you don't have on a racetrack or hold outbound) and the track will have an appropriate splay for both the distance outbound and the category of aircraft and thus apply appropriate drift and the protected area of the inbound turn is such as to allow for the afore mentioned crosswind.
Here is the appropriate quote from 8168 (my emphasis);
Reversal Procedure
The reversal procedure may be in the form of a procedure or base turn. Entry is restricted to a specific direction or sector. In these cases, a particular pattern, normally a base turn or procedure turn is prescribed and to remain within the airspace provided requires strict adherence to the directions and timings specified.......
Finally when thinking about changing the track from the one specified even when there is no risk of hitting obstacles remember that ATC often use the fact that one is established on the prescribed track to provide lateral spearation and to keep aircraft with the appropriate controlled airspace.
Regards,
DFC