Definitely not the intake off the D16Y8. That's weird. Is there a filter in the lower box too? Like everyone else said you can take it off as long as your air is filtered, but you might be further ahead only removing the resonating tube from the box on the far left. (Someone correct me if that isn't where the tube is.)

Slightly off topic, but how is it that drag cars can get away without using air filters? Just because they aren't subjected to dusty roads and the rigors of daily driving?