An unusual use of the district’s roads occurred in September 1957. After searching throughout Australia C.O.R. (Commonwealth Oil Refineries) and BP chose a stretch of road between Wittenbra and Baradine to hold speed trials. The road was closed for two days with Ted Gray winning competition in a Lou Abrahams Tornado. First prize was £275. This event raised funds towards the construction of homes for seniors in Coonabarabran [1]

Report of the BP / C.O.R. National Record attempts at Coonabarabran courtesy of Nov 1957 issue of Australian Motor Sports.

To be noted Ted Gray driving the Tornado got fastest spped of the meet, but there is no documented offical recognition of a record. Also no mention of the distance for which the speeds were attained.

Thanks to Brian Dixon for sharing this video

I can't resist adding that the NZ record at that time was 173.8mph, set by Morrie Stanton in the old ‘Cropduster’ Stanton Special at the end of 1958

1. Thematic History of the former Coonabarabran Shire (http://www.higround.com.au/docs/THCoona.pdf)