^^^ A lot of racers were like that back then: we used to call it "trick of the week", whether it worked or better yet, something else did.

The Grump Lump, IIRC.
I think the main principle was to cover the intake & carbs & use essentially a cowl induction.
The inlet at the base wouldn't do much due to boundary layer.
The snorkle (like the Motown Missile) quickly became popular and was a better solution.