I disagree about the pod cooling. If you temp your pod plate you will find its the same temp as your motor. That means its helping. Aluminum is the 2nd best conductor of heat (Copper is #1) and the motor pod plate has a significant amount if surface area capable of radiating heat.

Just like sedans the cooler you can make the motor the more gear it can carry without fading late in a race. I want to try putting a fan on my motor to see if I can go faster.