Well, there are a couple of aspects of thermal management you need to consider. The first has been mentioned, with simple overheating.
Another is heatsoak. Depending on where intake air is routed, the piping can absorb quite a lot of heat. So after your intake air goes through the intercooler, it can be reheated by the piping. You'll feel the car essentially fall on it's face after a few laps if you're getting heatsoak. The intake charge will be too hot, the intake air density will be lower and the compy will pull timing to reduce knock.
I can't tell you the number of times I've seen IC piping go right over the turbo before it turns into the throttlebody. This is a perfect candidate for heat soak performance loss and overheating.
Gary
Sheehan Motor Racing
www.teamSMR.com