Yes, this is 'very' possible! 
Ever notice the "grill covers" as mounted to the front of semi tractors riding down the highway when operating in colder climates? Or have you ever seen the NASCAR guys "adjusting" (adding or removing the duck tape) on the front grill exposure for the purpose of aiding in engine temperature control? 
Scott.
Adding DUCT tape (because I don't think it was designed for ducks, although I could be mistaken
) on the front of a NASCAR car is always about aiding downforce and improving aerodynamics. Sometimes they have to remove tape because of the negative impact on cooling, but cooling is not the purpose of adding it.
I used to have to block off the radiators in my old Falcons and Comets in the winter time, because they just would not produce heat if left open. Concerning Mustangs, with the addition of taller gearing in the SCJ cars, and the already cramped Mustang engine compartment, I think overheating became a real issue, even with the bigger radiator in the big block cars, and especially at prolonged highway speeds. The cooler was added to aid in that respect. I don't think they are an issue in colder weather. If it were, you'd see the temp gauge staying in the 'cold' range, and I haven't seen that issue when driving my car in cold weather. That may change if I were to drive it in extreme cold, like single digits, in which case, just blocking off the cooler may have a pretty noticeable impact.
